5 minute read
TEAM TALK
What’s it like to be a woman in football? How much have things changed?
Former Everton FC academy player Inayah Robinson-Greenidge talks exclusively to Liverpool forward Ashley Hodson – and finds out that we may be going back to the future...
Ashley Hodson has notched up more than 100 games with Liverpool FC Women’s team. She talks exclusively to former Everton academy player now mental health learning facilitator Inayah Robinson Greenidge about women in football – and her surprise sporting hero.
Ashley Hodson has played more games for Liverpool than any other player
IRG: We played against each other in the Everton and Liverpool academies over a decade ago. How far has the women’s game come since then?
AH: It’s moved on massively. When we last played Everton at Anfield, there was a 27,000 crowd. If you look at the Euros and Women’s World Cup, the way games are advertised, it’s second to none. In ten years it’ll be back to the olden days when women’s games got more interest than the men’s!
IRG: I always say ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Our generation of players were the beginning of that change for young girls wanting to play. Do you think today’s girls are coming into a game that’s more respected and on a par with the men’s?
AH: Definitely. People are interested and asking questions. They genuinely want to know more about you and get your opinions on the game. If you look at the top games on TV and watch some of the finishes – honestly it’s on the same level. The physicality is higher in the men’s game of course, because men are physically stronger, but technically a lot of players in the Women’s Super League can compete 100%.
IRG: How tough is it to be a top level player? AH: I think it was much tougher when we were young – it wasn’t seen as a career. In the same way everyone else takes their job seriously, I do the same. I’m doing what I love, learning and getting better so for me it’s not tough.
Inayah Robinson-Greenidge is a senior learning facilitator with The Life Rooms
IRG: I’ve watched your games on Twitter. It’s great that it’s so accessible but does social media have another side?
AH: There are negatives. You take backlash, people comment on your photos. But there are massive positives. It’s a great way to grow the game especially for our generation. My mum will watch online, follow the Twitter feed then update me after the game!
IRG: As a kid I was obsessed with Ronaldo. Who was your idol?
AH: Growing up I didn’t support a team so my idol would be my dad. He coached a lad’s team when I was tiny and he’d take me to every game. I’d kick a ball around and he said he could see how much I enjoyed it so he got me into a girl’s team. From that day he’s never missed one of my games!
IRG: Who would be your fave female player?
AH: Fara Williams (Everton, Liverpool and England midfielder). She’s an amazing player and she gave me great advice when she was at Liverpool. I was 17 and not playing regularly. I nearly moved away but she persuaded me to stay and be patient. I’m glad I took her advice.
IRG: Fara passed me at 13 in a street playing football with my mates. She came over and said ‘you need to come for a trial’. She’s a good mentor – she’d always be checking if I’d been partying!
IRG: What’s your view of women commentators and pundits?
AH: You only have to look at TV sports programmes to see women in both roles that have done their research and have just as much knowledge as men. I love listening to anyone with a good footballing brain.
IRG: How does it feel to be campaigning for promotion? AH: Honestly it’s amazing. The way we were demoted during COVID felt unfair and last season didn’t go our way. A lot’s changed; we have a new manager and the best group of players in a long time. We all get on, which shows on the pitch. When we take it up a gear, teams can’t cope with us.
IRG: I realised early on how dedicated you have to be. What would you say to girls who want to be you? And to women who want to take up the game later? AH: If you’re trying to play professionally you’ll have to work hard and sacrifice stuff, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You might have off days, everybody does. But always enjoy where you are now. As an adult it’s a great way to keep fit and socialise. Find a team and go for it!
JOIN THE CLUB...
Football is the biggest women’s sport in England. Teams range from mini soccer for girls aged five to 11 wanting to try football for the first time, through to teenage and adult programmes and walking football.
For teams and schemes near you, visit: thefa.com
