Exclusive Interview: Dulwich Hamlet’s Lucy Monkman

Lucy Monkman on the shoulders ofand Ceylon Andi Hickman as the pair celebrate promotion to the FA WNL. Photo: Liam Asman

Lucy Monkman has been making waves both on and off the field for a while now. I first became aware of her on Copa 90’s wonderful That’s The Tea show. Monki as she is known, is effortlessly cool and her insightful views on the women’s game were refreshing to hear. As well as working within the music industry as a DJ, Radio One broadcaster, and label owner, Lucy has also made her mark in football for Dulwich Hamlet.

Lucy has become an inspiring figure in the growing intersection of sports, creativity, and advocacy. From her North London roots as a lifelong Arsenal fan to celebrating promotion with Dulwich, Lucy is the sort of person that I would want my four-year-old daughter to have as a role model.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m from London and grew up supporting Arsenal, thanks to my dad’s North London roots—lucky to have inherited being a Gooner! For the past 13 years, I’ve built a career in music, primarily as a touring DJ, but also as a Radio One broadcaster for six years, producer, label owner, and more. I also run a creative agency, InMotion, which focuses on women’s sports, particularly football, delivering campaigns that elevate the women’s game.

Who was your biggest footballing inspiration growing up?
I didn’t have close role models in football growing up—apart from my grandad and cousins. Football wasn’t a huge part of my family’s life. That said, a school friend, Russel, probably had the most impact on me early on. Playing with him at school was so much fun, and he treated me just like everyone else.

In terms of idols, Thierry Henry was my hero.

I wish I’d known more about the Arsenal Women’s team back then—it would’ve been so inspiring—but I wasn’t really aware of their existence at the time.

How would you describe yourself as a player?
I’ve been playing as a winger for the past few seasons, although I’ve also slotted in as a 9, wingback, or even central midfield during training. I love attacking—it’s my favourite part of the game. I’d say I enjoy working out of tight spaces, keeping the ball, and playing forward.

How much has the club changed since you joined, back when it was known as AFC Phoenix?
It’s changed massively. AFC Phoenix was an amazing grassroots setup—we played on Clapham Common and had a fantastic culture. When we merged with Dulwich Hamlet, we made sure to carry that culture over. Dulwich, with its shared values, was the perfect fit.

Since 2019, women’s football has evolved so much, and the quality across the pyramid has risen. I took a 10-year break from football for my music career and never imagined coming back to play at this level. To represent Dulwich, travel with the squad, and play in front of fans—it’s a privilege to be part of this moment in women’s football.

Dulwich Hamlet has a lot to admire as a club. How does it feel to be part of a club that truly embraces the ‘one club’ ethos?
It feels great—exactly how it should be. From day one, Dulwich prioritised this ethos, even before the Lionesses won the Euros which is when you saw a lot of shifts.

Sharing the same stadium as the men’s team wasn’t common back then, but they wanted to do it from the start. That respect makes you proud to play for the badge and stay loyal to the club.

Dulwich Hamlet FC at Pride 2024. Photo: Liam Asman

The club has been bold in standing up for causes it believes in, such as the equal pay campaign within the FA Cups. How important are those off-the-pitch stances in your decision to play for Dulwich Hamlet?
It’s important because it aligns with Dulwich’s values, which I really admire. The club approaches these issues with reason and empathy, and when they make mistakes, they’re quick to address them. Ben Clasper, the chairman, is incredibly approachable, so when we have concerns or we care about something, he’ll listen and I have a lot of respect for that. 

What stands out as your abiding memory from the 2023/24 season when you gained promotion?
The celebrations were unforgettable! Fans gathered at Promotion Roundabout on Lordship Lane, where they’d celebrated the men’s promotion before. When we arrived back on the team bus, the street was packed with fans, pink and blue flares, fireworks—it was chaos, but the best kind of chaos.

On the pitch, our togetherness as a squad stood out. We’ve always had talent, but that group’s dynamic and support for one another were special.

Lucy Monkman in action against Moneyfields in the FA WNL Cup. Photo: Tom Phillips

Heading into your debut FA Women’s National League (FA WNL) season, were there any particular expectations within the group?
We wanted to compete but, more importantly, stabilise our position in the league. Losing the first game to Norwich was tough, but it was a competitive match, and they’d finished second the previous season. That gave us confidence we could hold our own.

How do you feel you and the club have adjusted to life in the FA WNL?
We’ve adjusted well. Dulwich brings an exciting energy to the league, and Champion Hill’s atmosphere is something visiting teams always appreciate. Results have been inconsistent, but that seems to be the case across the league this season.

Off the pitch, you have another passion: music. How does working in the music industry impact your football?
It’s a balancing act, especially during pre-season and the start of the season when my schedule is busiest. Football keeps me grounded—being a DJ can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle, and football gave me a reason to avoid late nights and drinking. It’s also helped me bring my music skills into football, whether through broadcasting or my creative agency.

Who’s in charge of the tunes in the locker room?
Not me! That’s my day off. My teammate and good friend Ceylon Hickman handles it, and she’s pretty good at it.

If you had to pick between music and football, which would you choose?
I couldn’t—I’ll always love both.

What would constitute a successful league season for you and the club?
I’m waiting for an MRI scan on my ankle, so my definition of success might look different for the rest of the season. For the club, now that we understand this league better, top six and building strong foundations for next season would be a great outcome.

You May Also Like