Natasha Dowie
For over two decades, Natasha Dowie was an exceptional footballer, making her debut for Watford in 2003 and going on to play for Charlton Athletic, Everton and Liverpool, as well as many other teams. She was an incredibly versatile player with an exceptional goal-scoring ability, ending her career as LFC’s record WSL goal scorer.
Beyond the pitch, Dowie is committed to women’s football and inspiring the next generation of players. In 2023, she became the first female ambassador of Liverpool Football Club.
Vic Akers OBE
One of the most successful domestic coaches in the history of the women’s game, Vic Akers OBE dominated England’s competitions with Arsenal. Not only was he the club founder in 1987, but he also won 32 major trophies during his time as head coach, including 11 league titles and FA Cup trophies, and the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2007 – the first English club to win a European title.
Alex Scott MBE
A pioneer in women’s football, Alex Scott MBE’s professional career took off when she joined Arsenal in 1995. She quickly became a cornerstone of the team, helping to secure numerous domestic and international titles. For her country, Scott earned over 100 caps during her illustrious international career.
As a broadcaster, Scott continues as a role model, shining as a beacon of positivity for the game, inspiring and empowering young, aspiring players to fulfil their potential.
Yvonne Harrison
Yvonne Harrison began her career with Manchester-based charity GreaterSport, where she progressed to CEO, leading the charity to remarkable success. During her tenure at the charity, she was awarded some seriously impressive accolades, including The Charity Times Awards – Rising CEO star, the Northwest Institute of Directors, Director of the Year for Public and Third Sector and several others.
In January 2022, she became Women in Football CEO, where she continues to promote and advocate for equality in the game.
Barbara Charone
Barbara Charone is a world-renowned public relations professional and one of the most respected women in the music industry. A long-time Chelsea fan and Stamford Bridge match-goer, Charone’s passion for Chelsea has led to her securing a place on the board of directors, breaking down barriers as the only female member of the board.
Rachel Yankey OBE
A legend of the game, Rachel Yankey OBE is a trailblazer who has inspired young girls to pursue their dreams of becoming footballers.
She joined Arsenal in 1996, where she quickly became one of the club’s most iconic players and a pivotal figure in its domestic and international success.
In the years since her retirement, Yankey has continued to advocate for women’s football, using her platform to promote equality, working with organisations and charities to inspire young athletes and pave the way for future generations of players.
Fara Williams MBE
Fara Williams MBE is a former Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder who is widely recognised as one of England’s leading players to date with a legendary career. Williams has an impressive collection of accolades: Premier League Cup winner, FA Women’s Cup winner, Women’s Super League winner (back-to-back in 2013 and 2014 for Liverpool) and a three-time Cyprus Cup winner with the national team.
Williams earned a record 177 international caps for the Lionesses, and in 2016, her career was immortalised when she was awarded an MBE for her services to women’s football and charity. She retired from the game in 2021, but her passion for the sport remains, as she uses her platform to raise awareness about important issues surrounding the game.
Jacqui Oatley MBE
Throughout her illustrious career in broadcasting, Jacqui Oatley MBE has smashed through countless gender barriers, becoming the first female commentator on a football match on British network radio in 2005 and the first female commentator on BBC’s Match of the Day, making her debut in 2007. In 2015, she was named the eighth most influential woman in sport by The Independent.
Her many commentaries include Match of the Day, the Football League Show and BBC 5 Live. Oatley is a pioneer of women in the game, motivating and inspiring others to pursue a career in football commentary.
Michelle Kang
Michelle Kang is an innovative entrepreneur committed to leaving a lasting footprint on the game, challenging the status quo and acquiring clubs to join her multi-team, international women’s football organisation.
Kang is the owner of Nation Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit in the US and the Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in France – the country’s most successful when it comes to titles. In 2023, she acquired the London City Lionesses, the only independent women’s club in England’s top two professional divisions.
She is dedicated to the game and investing in its future.
Dame Sarai Bareman
Dame Sarai Bareman DNZM has been instrumental in shaping women’s football over the last decade.
In 2016, Bareman was appointed Chief Women’s Football Officer at FIFA, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s football on a global scale, overseeing initiatives to promote equality, increase participation and advance the professionalisation of the game.
Her outstanding contributions to football were recognised in 2020 when she was honoured with a Damehood in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours list. Thus, cementing her status as global pioneer of the game.