This week [beginning 1st June] is Women in Sport Week. A week to celebrate females in sport and how far it has come, that of performers, journalists, coaches, officials and so much more. Today I was at the National Football Museum in Manchester for the Women in Football debate, representing The FA and FA National Game Youth Council. Alongside me were a number of females who hold a plethora of different roles within football, journalists to editors, directors to coaches to discuss key problems females face within the game.
Led by Jacqui Oatley a panel of females discussed the current FIFA issue and how females should be holding higher order roles within the game. The problem of sexism in football doesn't seem to be going away, over 66% of females say they have been exposed to a sexist act, however 89% of women say they wouldn't report a problem if they saw one. We need to know where to draw the line, how do we know where banter ends and sexism starts? Who decides? Every female will have their own 'banter tolerance' which will vary, some will take more than others. Sexism is now a thing of the minority, not the majority. But that still is not enough. 14/ 15 year old Izzy, a coach from Blackpool spoke of the troubles she has faced. She has faced sexism already, players questioning why females are coaching, why she isn't playing netball and doing girl stuff. Is this a problem being caused by the players, or do we need to look wider? Are parents and the older generation imposing their archaic views on our young generation and players? Instilling beliefs which are being outdated by the day, influencing perceptions which is influencing the game. Although a minority, this group could tip and roll into a minority if the wrong voices are heard [See Malcolm Gladwell - Tipping Point for further thoughts]. 'Women are getting everywhere' was another quote, we're not trying to steal the game of football, just be a part of it and make it OUR game.
The number of females taking up senior positions within the game is increasing, the want for more is also increasing. Part of me thinks this is the right way to go, but as it was alluded to, we should be looking for the 'right' people, and the right person shouldn't come in to end a stigma or stereotype, but because they are the right person for the job. Is it all about getting females in within higher order roles? Definitely not. Yes, that is a nice ambition and vision, but the ideal view is to have more females working in the game at all levels. I don't think there is a right way, is it get people in the top and work down, or flood the bottom with females who can work up. Or, can we attack all areas and just have a simple goal of increasing the number of females within the game?
The talk of role models and use of education was seemingly constant. Education around the possibilities within the game. A game which is bigger than the game, if that makes sense. Football is much more than the 22 players on a pitch and referee. The stadium built around the pitch represents the plethora of different roles available, marketing, punditry, reporting, development, education, working in football clubs, the list could be endless.. but most people wouldn't know it. Is this lack of knowledge stalling the snowball at the top of the hill before it gathers speed? Is it education around what is on offer which is needed to get more females into the game? Maybe. Programmes and projects are already in place to try and achieve this outcome, Women in Sport are piloting a scheme which takes female role models from different areas of the game into schools to speak to Year 11s about the opportunities on offer. Maybe year 11 isn't the right year, but this is the pilot, hoping to influence young people and hopefully open up different thoughts around college and university options.
What we need to be aware of is that everybody is a role model in one way or another. It's not all about those with major social status working at an elite level. I'm quite open to the fact that all of my role models can be found in my phone contacts, they are tangible people who inspire me everyday in life not just football. They inspire me because of who they are, not what they do. I think we need to be aware when using 'role models' that they are relatable and can provide insight and direction. I watched a TED talk earlier this week - link at the bottom - by a guy called Drew Dudley around everyday leadership. He tells a story of how he made someone's life better through a 'lollipop moment' I recommend watching the video. A 'lollipop moment' is a tiny moment where someone does something or says something which changes your life for the better. That person may not even realise they've done it. What we miss out, is telling them they've done and recognising it. The video aims to define leadership, it's not a status to work towards, but something we all hold and perform acts of all of the time. Just because it's not changing 'THE' world, doesn't mean it wont change someone's perception of it. I've had my own lollipop moment, as I'm sure you will have too. Mine was a cheesey wotsit moment, but it's something you remember which has made a difference.
The point of me putting the above, as I hope you will have been able to pick up, females at all levels of the game inspire others. Just by being in the game, others are being inspired to follow in the footsteps. Having tangible mentors, role models and people to ask for advice is important to maintain people in the game. There is valuable evidence that social learning is more effective than formal learning, working with experienced others support this - maybe this is something we can exploit within our game?
The next few weeks/ months are incredibly exciting for female football, the world cup, FIFA16 news and the increased age for mixed football. It's a great time to be in the game, but as those working within it wanting to increase the female influence, we need to make the best use we can of this time.
I had an incredible day today and even managed to throw my own 50 pence worth in around coaching and my view of what we should be focusing on, lets remember personalities are more important than abilities. It was fantastic to be in the same room as other females who have really made a difference within the game in all areas and are passionate about developing the game and influencing others to become a part of it.
Female football is in the best place it has ever been in. Maybe it is lagging behind, catching up on the 50 years which were missed out, or just taking slow and steady steps in the right direction. A hard and fast approach probably isn't right, as females we're probably questioning every decision hundreds of times before going through with it and planning in depth to make sure everything will work out.
Slow and steady wins the race right? The ever changing nature of the game is obvious, but change for the good. The majority are pulling in the right direction and progress is being made.
Change is inevitable, progress is optional.
Be grey.
Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAy6EawKKME
