“In addition, we will answer your questions” – the centerpiece of my Tuesday morning introduction to the Guardian Women’s Football Weekly. If you’re a regular part of our crew, new to us and our quirks, or have downloaded the best podcast ever (I’ll leave that up to you), we welcome you with open arms. Your opinion is important and your questions are an essential part of what we do. Essentially, you’re as much a panelist as our eclectic mix of women’s football experts, who rotate and meet every week to have a conversation about the latest dramas on and off the pitch, from anywhere in the world women’s football is played.
When Suzy Wrack and I were asked to start the Guardian Women’s Football Weekly podcast in the summer of 2022, before the Women’s European Championship, we were full of excitement and anticipation. We knew this was the Lionesses’ moment to shine and we wanted to make sure as many people as possible rode with us. This remains the only correct prediction we have made since the pod launched. But it wasn’t just Sarina Wiegman’s team that took center stage, it was women’s football and that summer created a whole new audience of fans. Twenty months later, with even more great players emerging and new stories to tell, our tribe continues to grow as the sport continues its phenomenal growth. However, there is still a lot to do and every week we make sure to cover all aspects of the game, including the countless challenges it faces.
Despite the difficult topics we sometimes have to discuss, every podcast we record is a lot of fun. My favorite episode so far was recorded at a Premier Inn, around the corner from Wembley Stadium, about three hours after England’s historic victory over Germany in the European Championship final. I had stood on the field and watched the players make snow angels in ticker tape, Jill Scott handed me a beer in the tunnel, and I filmed the players running out of the locker room on their way to Wiegman’s post-game press conference.
After a rum and coke (one I promise – okay, another on the way too) Suzy and regular Ceylon panellist Andi Hickman reluctantly left the BoxPark party to meet Guardian writer Jonathan Liew at the hotel. Our producers Lucy and Chessie had set up the ‘cozy’ room with microphones, while me and Ceylon shared the desk and Suzy and Jonny lay amusingly supported by pillows on either side of the double bed. We had beer, sweets, chips and, crucially, Mini Babybels. What followed was an hour of hilarity, pure joy and total chaos. Four friends reminisce about an epic final and tournament with other friends from around the world who we had never met, but who had felt the presence every step of those crazy five weeks.
That’s what audio does: it creates an intimate bond and we feel that bond not only with each other, but with everyone who listens. You are essentially inviting us into your house, your car or on your walk and I would like us to take off our shoes, be clean and tidy and keep you company as good guests should.
I hope you learn more about the game from the incredible panel of experts we put together every week who analyze and discuss the latest results, tactics, stories and news. But you don’t just get their insights, you also get their personalities. Sophie Downey’s hats, Marva Kreel and Moyo Abiona’s love-hate relationship with Everton and Manchester United, Anita Asante’s tactical knowledge, Chris Paouros and her passion for equality (and her ability to write songs). And who could forget Suzy – Armory and lino drawing isn’t even skin deep – is there anything this woman can’t do?
We are aware that we have a mix of people with us, from those who have always followed women’s football, to those who have just joined the party and are learning the history that makes it so special and inclusive. We also reach you all over the world and that is what we are most proud of. We learn about football in your country and you follow football in ours and elsewhere – sharing the love is very important. That’s why I also want to share the love for the pod.
When we launched almost two years ago, we were one of the few women’s football podcasts. Fast forward and we are now competing in a pool with so many others, which is great to see. Counter Pressed, The Offside Rule, The Women’s Football Show and many more are all put together by people who love women’s football and have their own unique take on it. This is a supportive environment and we can all help each other grow the game.
I’m proud to present this pod and as we grow and reach new audiences, we’re all in it together, because the women’s football family is strong and used to fighting adversity. With dire predictions, a theme of Women’s Football Weekl, I look into my crystal ball and see a future where women’s football is once again shelved for decades and the podcast pool shrinks to zero. Who is interested in a £1 billion industry with boring participants? Fortunately, our predictions are always wrong!
Recommended listening
The latest Women’s Football Weekly focuses on the NWSL, with the 2024 season starting in March. Suzy, Megan Swanick and former Portland Thorns manager Mark Parsons join me on the pod and you can listen to it here or wherever you get your pods.
Discussion points
Manchester to Grimsby: Polly Bancroft has announced she will leave her role as head of women’s football at Manchester United at the end of the season. The former Brighton chief executive joins Grimsby as CEO.
Luton hosts showpiece: This season’s FA Women’s National League Cup final will be played at Luton’s Kenilworth Road. Newcastle face Hashtag United during the Women’s Football Weekend on March 23 and 24. The 11,500 capacity ground will be the first venue in the Premier League to host the showpiece event. It coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first Women’s European Championship final held at the stadium in 1984, when England lost to Sweden on penalties.
Women’s health care mandate: The Football Association has become the first national governing body to make women’s health training mandatory. Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship clubs will benefit from a new support plan with new courses and best practice guidance on pregnancy, menstrual cycle and pelvic health.
Quote of the day
I took charge at a difficult time when no one wanted and we took a step forward. We are proud of the work we have done. This team deserves to play an Olympic Games after all the previous generations that fought for it and fell short” – Spanish coach Montse Tomé, after the world champion qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time after a 3- 0 win over the Netherlands in their Nations League semi-final.
Recommended viewing
Tottenham loanee Grace Clinton marked her senior debut for England with an impressive performance and goal against Austria. Match highlights are here.
Do you want more?
Demi Stokes tells Donna Ferguson that her mother pays for her equipment in weekly installments – and that she is an optimist. Read the full interview here.
Mexico have defeated the US for only the second time in 43 attempts, securing a 2-0 win at the Concacaf W Gold Cup. Both teams advance to the quarter-finals.
Nike has belatedly made replica Australian goalkeeper jerseys available to buy after a public outcry.
And Suzy Wrack caught up with some of England’s future stars, currently playing for the Under-23 team, in Marbella.