EA BEAT THE BIAS ZINE

A celebration of the here, now, and next of the women’s game

CONTENTS 3

INTRODUCTION

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CHAPTER THREE: WITH ITS OWN CULTURE Community building the game up

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CHAPTER ONE: AN ODE TO TODAY Stratospheric growth in 2022

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CHAPTER FOUR: WITH ITS OWN OPPORTUNITIES Setting up a bright future

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CHAPTER TWO: ITS OWN GAME A unique on pitch identity

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CHAPTER FIVE: WITH ITS OWN FUTURE TO WRITE Ten years from now

THE EDITORS Six creators bonded by passion for the women’s game, drafted from EA & COPA90’s annual internship programme, Beat the Bias.

JAMES LEWIS

MEGAN KAPADIA

PRIYANKKA ARAASU

CURVES 99 EDITING 89 PODCASTING 90

PASSION 99 INSIGHT 80 IDEA GENERATION 90

BALL CONTROL 95 TEAMWORK 89 (SELF) PORTRAITS 99

JOSHUA JIBULU

AMBI NAHAL

RORY OAKLEY

VISION 90 LISTENING 91 WRITING 90

KNOWLEDGE 93 TASK COMPLETION 92 POETIC WRITING 91

FIRST TOUCH 95 INTERVIEWING SKILLS 88 WORDSMITH 90

SPECIAL THANKS

EXPLORE MORE HERE

Beat the Bias Partners: Versus, Football Beyond Borders, Rising Baller, She’s A Baller, Season Zine.

BEAT THE BIAS

Women’s football is here. s.

Sold out stadiums. Passionate fans. Global icon t’s next.

The world is watching, waiting, excited to see wha So let’s show them. ing’ Because women’s football is not just ‘Up and Com Its DNA has been forged over decades.

Given life by the visionaries, pioneered by its trailblazers, shaped by its fans.

We, the modern fan, invite you on a journey. from the Beat the Bias class Welcome to All Eyes On Us, a collaborative zine RTS. What you see before you of 2022, spearheaded by COPA90 and EA SPO le mission: growth of the is the product of a partnership born from one simp women’s game. space so special, and usher in The next 28 pages will celebrate what makes this and playground for the women’s the introduction of a new stage, a new platform game to shine. th, spotlight the game’s We’ll reflect on a record shattering year of grow forward to what’s next. inimitable identity on and off the pitch, and look amazing women’s football We implore you to join us, EA SPORTS, and the changers. community to move from the sidelines to game Women’s football is here. t’s next.

The world is watching, waiting, excited to see wha So let’s show them.

CHAPTER ONE Women’s football has commanded the world’s attention more than ever over the last year - delivering headline after headline, breaking record after record.

UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 21/22 Unprecedented, unbelievable and unmissable… the 21/22 campaign set records and fans hearts alight with over 64 million total viewers tuning into this year’s competition.

Following a global broadcast deal with DAZN Group, all 61 matches were available to watch free on their YouTube channel, treating old fans and generating new ones. The final itself was offered in at least ten language commentary feeds, where a record 3.6 million viewers saw Lyon take back their throne as queens of Europe. Unmatched visibility.

WOMEN’S AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS FINAL 2022 The Women’s AFCON final saw South Africa and Morocco battle it out in front of 51,000 roaring fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The most watched WAFCON fixture ever, with five-time runners-up South Africa finally getting their hands on the cup. Football legends such as Samuel Eto’o, Jay-Jay Okocha & Emmanuel Adebayor were all in attendance. Patrice Motsepe proclaimed that the WAFCON final “will change women’s football forever’’.

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ANGEL CITY V SAN DIEGO WAVE, 2022 Talk about making an entrance. In their debut season, Angel City FC has built a vibrant community and culture like no other.

Founded with intent, shattering norms, and making their own rules. They are no strangers to headlines, and lead the league in both highest average attendance and season ticket sales. Two blockbuster clashes against fellow expansion team San Diego Wave, have played to sell out crowds with 22,000 attending the Banc of California Stadium matchup, and the away fixture setting a new NWSL attendance record with 32,000 in attendance at the Snapdragon Stadium.

UEFA WOMEN’S EURO 2022 Players becoming household names, attendance records broken and the most watched women’s football game in UK TV history… the 2022 Women’s Euros was a huge success in taking women’s football into the mainstream. Over 17.4 million people tuned in to witness England crowned as European Champions at Wembley, a landmark total capping off the most watched tournament in the history of the competition.

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T he World is The impact of these headline moments travels far beyond stadium turnstiles – their shockwaves transcending cities, nations, and even continents.

SO UTH AM ERIC

AS IA

MI DD LE EAST Future champions to play “The opportunity for women bigger football in Qatar is getting being and bigger. Girls’ teams are of football formed, and there are a lot the future academies for girls… so in in Qatar l tbal foo ale I think that fem will definitely improve.” a

A national first “The Philippines are the to first team in its history men make the World Cup, there or women. Hopefully, nt, me est inv re will be mo not just money-wise but ntry, interest-wise in the cou t because you want to roo s you ent res rep er oev wh for .” no matter what gender

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Long live the game “Morocco organised a fantastic WAFCON tournament. Well organised, with record attendances.

A true celebration of women’s football in Africa. Congratulations, long may such impressive standards continue in the women’s game.”

A

es Tim es

Nicole Chui, Baesianz co-founder

AFRICA

Mimi Fawaz, Nigerian-Lebanese sports journalist, show host and presenter

A growing ph en om en on “Wom en’s footba ll kee ps ma rch ing on. Wi th slow yet firm ste ps, yea r after yea r it grows in pop ula rity and pre sen ce. The 20 21 Arg entine Footba ll Ass oci atio n (AF A) tou rna me nt wa s arrang ed to be bro adc ast on nation al pub lic televis ion, and thu s Arg entina bec am e the firs t cou ntr y in So uth Am eric a to televis e all match es live.”

So l Mu noz , Bu eno s Air

Wat

FC

Kinda Turki, Al-Hasakah, Syri

tching T he

The star power of women’s foo tball is skyrocketing fr om every corn er of the globe, with pla yers now beco ming global icons both on a nd off the pitch .

FACE

8 Champ ions Leag ue titles to name, 5 back to b her ack as le capitaine .

Most decorated South Korean footballer in history.

A legendary World Cup campaign cemented herself as the leading goalkeeper in the game. ​​Two-time World Cu p champion and Stanford’s all-tim e leading goalsco rer.

Co-founder of life style brand dedic ated to reimaging the status quo.

of

footba l l 7

FIFA 23 SOUNDTRACK

LISTEN NOW

ITS OWN GAME CHAPTER TWO

Women’s football is a space like no other, embracing its own strengths and unique challenges.

One avenue where differences persist is in the physical realm, specifically ACL tears. Did you know that female athletes’ experience this kind of acute injury two to eight times more than 2 male athletes do?

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Not only are there differences in muscle mass, but the menstrual cycle also plays an important role. Hormones can have a profound effect on 5 muscle density - oestrogen can increase laxity 6 (looseness) resulting in higher injury proneness 7 when these levels are high (the first half of 8 the cycle and build up to ovulation).

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The narratives around previously taboo topics are changing, and we can see the direct positive impact that it is having on players, clubs and teams. In the future, we hope to see the same for other topics such as pregnancy and raising a family, mental health, and eating disorders.

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One of the secrets to their success, these teams know how their players’ bodies are going to respond to training at different points in their cycle. Dr Georgia Bruinvels (Senior Sports Scientist at Orreco) explains that more effective use of carbohydrates during the first half of your cycle can lead to better recovery.

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To stress the effect this has 12 on performance and its frustrating lack of recognition, the world champions (USWNT), European champions (England), five time BWSL winners (Chelsea WFC) and 2021/22 FA Cup Winners (Manchester City) are the only professional teams currently incorporating menstrual cycle tracking into their training.

HOW DOES THIS TRANSLATE ONTO THE PITCH?

60%

of shots taken inside penalty box compared to 56% for men

5.74 Women average

injuries per match (13.78% definite*). Men average 11.26 injuries per match (7.8% definite)

29% more distance at speed over 23 km/h from from Canada 2015 - France 2019

18.647.3% increase in distance covered at >23 km/h from Canada 2015 France 2019

Intense running increased by approximately

16-32% from Canada 2015 France 2019

Source: https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/163d46bbccd188ca/original/n1cp6yscvvqberudqlih-pdf.pdf * Physical Analysis FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 ™

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DRIVING CHANGE A self-made game, in every sense. Whether you’re balling on the pitch or making magic happen behind the scenes, women’s football is built by team players who are dedicated to forging a game for the future, with blueprints for the next generation to match. The hustle never stops.

CHANGE MAKERS

CHANGE MAKERS

Name: Claire Bloomfield Occupation: Head of Women’s Football, European Club Association (ECA) Fact: Activation of her strategy for the ECA included an analytics partnership that boosted access to player analytics for 230 clubs.

Description: Claire launched ECA’s first ever strategy solely dedicated to the women’s game, driving club professionalisation across Europe. Claire is relentless

in her pursuit of improvement in the women’s game, which is exemplified through her passion for her work.

“The decision makers in the game have a lot of responsibility to make the right decisions for women’s football and not just copy and paste what they see in the men’s game.”

CLAIRE BLOOMFIELD

FEMI

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NA

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SIHAM ABDULLAHI

SIHAM ABDULLAHI 12

DUM

Name: Siham Abdullahi Occupation: Co-founder of Barakah, an accessible space for women to play casual football for free (Community Leader).

Fact: The collective Barakah means blessings, an ode to the body being a blessing.

Description: Siham works to impact and seed change at a grassroots level, building a foundation for the future. This community game changer supports players of

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NA

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CLAIRE BLOOMFIELD

(EA WFB Evolution Council)

CHANGE MAKERS 20

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FEMI

all abilities with training and exposure to the women’s football community.

“In terms of diversity, there is a disconnect between grassroots level and professional level… Barakah started because there weren’t a lot of spaces that fully accommodated our needs.

Like playing in a space that is not public, where we’re able to wear whatever we want without people looking at us.”

DU

M

CHANGE MAKERS 20

FEMI

Name: Meg Linehan Occupation: Senior writer at The Athletic Fact: Meg’s first women’s football gig was writing live game updates for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup at just 16.

Description: A storyteller covering all facets of the game, from on-pitch tactical evolutions to investigative cultural analysis.

Meg predominantly reports on

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DU

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MEG LINEHAN

the women’s football landscape in the US, keeping us abreast of everything USWNT and NWSL. She has worked relentlessly to help shape the media landscape she, and the game, once dreamed of.

“We need that third wing of true independent journalism, [Covering unique stories] which will force the sport to grow.”

MEG LINEHAN

CHANGE MAKERS 20

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FEMI

Name: Khalida Popal Occupation: Founder of Girl Power Org & human rights campaigner Fact: Prior to 2021, Khalida worked with Hummel to produce a kit for her national team that covered players fully, without the additional use of hijab.

Description: Former captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team, Khalida has been a staunch campaigner for granting opportunities and support for female footballers

in her home country. In 2021, she put her life on the line to assist the national team and their families in fleeing their country, allowing them to continue to live their lives and safely play the sport they love.

“It’s up to the individual to determine the risks that are worth taking. For me, it’s been worth risking my life in the fight to make a difference for so many others. My fight is not just about me. It’s about all women, about future generations.” (HUMMEL)

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ANITA ASANTE

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KHALIDA POPAL

KHALIDA POPAL

Name: Anita Asante Occupation: Broadcaster and First Team Coach, Bristol City Women FC Fact: Anita is the proud owner of a UEFA Women’s Champions League winners medal, an accolade she picked up at just 22.

Description: Once a forward who racked up 71 caps for England, you will typically now find Anita either in the dugout at Bristol City or in front of the camera

as a presenter. Using her voice and influence across the whole of football to highlight both the product itself and important issues that lie within the space, she most notably has taken a stand on the lack of diversity in the UK as it pertains to women’s football.

“Young girls who cannot see anyone who looks like they do lack heroines to emulate – and that matters.” (The Guardian)

CHANGE MAKERS 20

ANITA ASANTE Name: Maz Pacheco Occupation: Defender, Aston Villa Fact: Maz runs her own coaching company M3, creating spaces for girls to play at school and beyond, with ‘girls only’ camps.

Description: Maz is reshaping the meaning of what it means to be a baller in every sense.

You only have to look at her insta caption: ‘Filipino/English Pro Footballer + Law Graduate with a

FEMI

lil love for sneakers and fashion’.

“There’s only so much an advert or promotional network can do.

So I think this is a start and it’s going to be a building block into what people can do. I know The FA are working a lot on diversifying opportunities. I was just with them last weekend to speak about cultural differences, Asians in sport.” (MOTION Magazine)

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MAZ PACHECO

MAZ PACHECO

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Fans with stories to tell

Asking new and existing fans their hot takes on the game.

Heroes made on and off the pitch Creating an ultimate fives line-up of the ultimate ballers.

Coming together to see greatness unfold Hosting an event where all fans could watch and join in on the movement that is women’s football.

AND WE WERE THERE TO CAPTURE IT

Celebration in the stands Capturing history being made on the pitch.

WITH ITS OWN CULTURE

CHAPTER THREE 16

AN UBREAKABLE BOND The women’s game boasts an envious proximity between fan and player. It’s forged an unparalleled culture that holds passion and commitment dear.

Of course we had to sit down with two juggernaut support hemispheres: Chelsea Women’s Support Group, notorious for their relentless support of the West London club, and Baller FC, one of women’s football’s biggest support collectives, to discuss their thoughts on what’s unique about women’s football fan culture.

BALLER FC Baller FC are a women’s football collective, blending football with the world of art and music. They provide an inclusive space, allowing fans to express their passion for football as creatively as they want and without judgement.

Jo and Rach created Baller FC in 2019, as they believed that when women’s football was showcased, it was done as an afterthought. They wanted to give the game the visibility that the game rightly deserves, and create a safe atmosphere where expression is encouraged.

“I’d like to believe that women’s football has been able to learn from men’s football, in terms of developing talent and sports science. Where men’s football and fan culture can be less inclusive and welcoming, I think one thing women’s football has been able to do from the grassroots up, is build that rapport between players and fans.”

“It’s so hard because you want to interact with every single one of the fans, but we appreciate them. It’s so nice to see so many different people and be able to interact with them, show them what we’re about and have them give to us just as much as we give to them.”

BETH MEAD

Source: Lionesses Live Episode 5

But what is it like to be on the other side?

What does it mean for the recipients of this relentless and unconditional support, even when crowds are rapidly growing?

“Around 55,000 people attended, there were people on the big screens, on the stairs, everywhere. There were so many people that they were in all the places you’re not allowed to sit! Everyone wanted to be there. In Venezuela, whenever the women’s team plays, it’s going to be a full stadium. I think we’re a very warm country, they’re very fanatic about sports, and when we have a good generation, people believe in us and support us to the end, and that’s something very special.”

DEYNA CASTELLANOS

On playing in an U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification match in Venezuela Source: EA Women’s Football Evolution Programme: Council

CHELSEA WOMEN SUPPORTERS GROUP The CFCW Supporters Group was founded in 2014 to create a safe space for Chelsea fans to talk about the women’s game.

They pride themselves on their strong connection with Emma and her team, and the groups’ sideline support being integral to fuelling performances on the pitch. With their infamous song book, they travel up and down the country making sure their support is felt.

“Emma, the staff and players make it easy for us to drum up the support because we know how much it means to them.”

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This community of passionate fans is leading the charge for change. And no one’s going to stop them.

With the advent of social media growing in tandem with the game, fans and players who couldn’t find supporters close to home had the ability to adapt and move online to find like-minded individuals.

In this interconnected world, it’s not hard to see why so many have found themselves a community online that supports and embraces them. A web of fans weaving right up to the players themselves.

community with a common cause; a platform where fans and players feel closer than ever before.

This movement has been brought further into the mainstream, and it’s only going to keep growing.

We’ve already seen it in action. Stadiums selling out, packed full of singing fans, smashing attendance records. We’ve seen comment sections normally a hive of misogyny and hate, replaced with positivity and excitement – a Cardiff University study found that of nearly

This has created an environment and global

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SOURCE: Cardiff University, HateLab: Online hate speech targeting the England Women’s footballteam during the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022.

80,000 posts during UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, there was roughly only one “hate” post for every 125 “hope” post.

@dan

iel.do

es.de

sign

Join COPA90's global WFB discord community

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CHAPTER

4

WITH ITS OWN OPPORTUNITIES TEAM DOCU-SERIES

DAZN gave the world the chance to live and breathe what it was like to be in an elite club’s dressing room through an exclusive documentary on Chelsea Women, detailing the team’s incredible reign from 2019-2021. Fans were not only granted greater aperture on the players, but on the intricacies of the system they play in. This six-part series has set the bar for in-depth storytelling in women’s football.

LONG TERM PLAYER CONTRACTS Trinity Rodman made history by signing a four-year $1.1 million contract extension, making her the highestpaid NWSL player. Not afraid to be herself and step outside of traditional lanes, Rodman has quickly become a worldwide phenom, and has no trouble backing it up on the pitch. From being the youngest player to get drafted at 18 to winning Rookie of the Year, this is an important step in what is certainly only the beginning of an illustrious career.

GLOBAL COVER STAR Sam Kerr is undeniably one of the best players in the world, with a trophy cabinet to prove it. An icon of the game, she’s now the first women’s footballer to be the global cover star for EA SPORTS FIFA. A welcome step in shifting women’s football into the mainstream, Sam continues to inspire on and off the field.

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New technological developments, record breaking contracts, and explosive media coverage has contributed to bringing women’s football into the mainstream. There are many firsts - but it’s only the beginning.

PLAYER ACTIVISM Ada Hegerberg, the first ever Women’s Ballon d’Or winner, quit international football in 2017 to highlight insufficient support and prioritisation for the Norwegian Women’s National Team. This selfless act of protest was then answered by equal pay agreements and the NFF electing their first female president in 120 years, former international Lise Klaveness. Ada is now back to her best on the international stage, with her principles intact and the future of Norwegian women’s football secured.

REALITY TV SERIES Ultimate Goal, which aired on BT Sport and Watch Insight, was the first women’s football show of its kind. Eniola Aluko and Rachel Brown-Finnis, assisted by Rosie and Mollie Kmita, led the search for the next female football superstar. Players trained and lived as professionals in the hopes of landing the Ultimate Goal.

Highly successful and a fan favourite, the show was met with outstanding reviews and renewed for another season.

Series 2 star, and midfielder Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel can now be found flourishing in the NWSL at Angel City FC.

BOOTS MADE TO FIT Football boots have traditionally been designed with male feet as the template. This has led to a less than desired fit for female athletes, and has the potential to lead to more injuries & discomfort.

Ida set out to change this norm, to challenge this status quo. The Ida Classica 22 is a bespoke boot designed for girls, women & nonbinary people at the forefront.

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A NEW NEW BL BL A The opportunities em erging in the women’s game aren’t just for the superstars. Rapid acceleration of the spo rt is allowing for more exposure throughout all levels of the game.

As we start to uncove r the clearer view at the top, there’s also dem and for the tale that precedes it. Fans and players alike are findin g that their inherently hum an stories and experiences have an avid audience.

ased a YouTube In August 2022, Lewes FC rele Game.”

Ball t eren Diff “A y, documentar unpacks how Lewes This documentary carefully ale counterpart fem the Women is more than ’re an equal of a men’s football club - they Committed FC. es Lew at pie portion of the t way, they’re righ the to growing the game in al pay equ r offe to club ball foot the first teams, and en’s wom and ’s across their men align with their intentionally pick sponsors that s Women’s values. Currently in the Barclay ing to inspire a hop is Championship, the team lish top flight.

Eng the in th grow of dard new stan

RHIAN CLEVERLY LEWES WOMEN DEFENDER PAULA HOWELLS LEWES WOMEN MIDFIELDER

e.

“Genuinely, it’s a special, special plac There’s not many of them in football.

Everything they’ve done for me and every other player is helping us as grow and grow the game. Not just are that girls the for but now, ls individua growing up underneath us.”

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“At Lewes FC we want our football to be different. We don’t want it to go the same way as the men’s game where there’s a massive divide between the top teams and it’s all about money.

We want it to be done properly.”

LUEPRINT LUEPRINT

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@baesianzfc

We have picked out six ballers that inspire us on and off the pitch. How could they continue to make waves in 2032?

EBONY SALMON Where they’re from: England 2022 Club team: Houston Dash 2022 highlights: 8 goals in 14 appearances this NWSL season (and counting!).

2032 forecast: 2026 Ballon D’Or winner Ebony Salmon finds herself three goals away from breaking Ellen White’s national team record of 52 goals.

SIMRAN JHAMAT Where they’re from: England 2022 Club team: Coventry United 2022 highlights: An up-and-coming midfielder, making her name on both club and national team stages. She is the first Punjabi player to score for England at U17 level.

2032 forecast: Becomes the first Punjabi to captain in both the BWSL and England, leading her team through title winning seasons.

KHADIJA SHAW Where they’re from: Jamaica 2022 Club team: Manchester City 2022 highlights: Captained Jamaica to 2023 World Cup qualification.

2032 forecast: Host of her own TV series, Bunny’s Ballers, that showcases young football talent coming up across the Caribbean.

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ROSELLA AYANE Where they’re from: Morocco 2022 Club team: Tottenham Hotspur 2022 highlights: Spurs’ trusty forward, racking up six goals in 12 appearances.

2032 forecast: Rosella Ayane retires as the highest scoring African player in the BWSL.

SELMA BACHA Where they’re from: France 2022 Club team: Olympique Lyonnais 2022 Highlights: At just 21, she has 4 UWCL titles and 4 D1 Arkema titles to her name.

2032 Forecast: Selma kicks off her 16th season by launching a hotly awaited sportswear capsule collection.

KUMI YOKOYAMA Where they’re from: Japan 2022 club team: NY/NJ Gotham City 2022 highlights: Kumi bagged three crucial goals in the 2018 Asia Cup, contributing to Japan winning the championship. Since coming out as trans in June 2021, he’s Japan’s first trangender player to represent his country.

2032 forecast: Kumi has founded an international players union for transgender football players, informing accessbility and inclusion policies across the world.

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F FUTU

The last five chapters of this zine have covered the innovation, growth, and unique aspects of women’s football.

The future of this space is limitless, and this upward trajectory isn’t complete without its community, its game changers. Now, we’re challenging YOU. Use the space below to reflect on the following– whether that be through writing, a simple drawing, or conceptual art, we want to know:

WHAT DOES

THE FUTURE OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

FUTURE FUTURE URE FUTURE FUT HOW WILL YOU BE A

GAME CHANGER?

GAME CHANGER? GAME CHANGER? GAME CHANGER?

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