Sporting Role Model – Individual
Stacey Copeland
S
tacey Copeland is one of only six professional female boxers in the UK. She made her amateur debut in 2011
and became European silver medalist and three-time national champion; she turned professional in 2017 and currently remains unbeaten.
Since 2015, the Crawley Old Girls has enabled older women to learn to play football
Copeland has been very vocal in the debate surrounding ring card girls, appearing in the national media
Inspiring Initiative – Local
as a spokesperson, speaking out
Crawley Old Girls (COGs)
T
against objectifying women in sport. She has given over 50 inspirational
he Crawley Old Girls was set up in
who are coming back into the game and
talks on women in sport in the last
2015 by Carol Bates to enable older
want to play recreationally. From having 10
12 months, including one for the
women to learn to play football. Set
ladies on the first night, the team now runs
European Parliament.
up with help from the Crawley Town
Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced player
Copeland has developed the
sessions with over 100 recorded attendees.
‘Pave the Way’ project, which has
Community Foundation and funding from the EFL Trust, the COGs cater to the ‘missed
In 2017 COGs was featured on a BBC1
included an inspiration day for girls,
generation’ of women who weren’t allowed
programme as well as on the radio. These
community sports sessions for local
to play when they were younger.
shows had an amazing impact, inspiring
groups, domestic violence survivors
other women to start up their own groups,
and refugee women.
In the last year COGs’ numbers have increased significantly. It’s attracted women
especially in the South East.
Ambassador of Women’s Sport
Lorna Boothe
L
orna Boothe is a former Olympic
She was part of the team responsible for
athlete who has risen through the
setting up the IAAF Academy and World
ranks to become the most senior black
Class Coaches Club.
woman in athletics management.
As a member of English Sports Council
She currently sits on the European Athletic
Racial Equality Advisory Group, she worked
Coaches’ Association and England Athletics
with the Commission for Racial Equality to
Regional Councils. She is the England lead
set up the now high-profile Sporting Equals
speed coach for the Commonwealth Games.
programme and was the European Athletic
Boothe is a double Olympian and
Coaches’ Association’s General Secretary
Commonwealth Gold and silver medalist in
as well as on the Board of the Olympians
Lorna Boothe is enjoying an impressive
the 100m hurdles.
Committee UK.
career in athletics management
sportsmanagement.co.uk
Issue 3 2018
45