Swans Ladies Step It Up A Notch
By Amy Clement
There’s little doubt that Women’s football has finally made a decisive breakthrough in this country, England’s elevation to European Champions starting the surge and then a World Cup laden with quality (and only slightly tarnished by Spanish sexist pig Luis Rubiales) has seen interest, and investment, in the game rocket. Amy Clement, co founder of the #HerGameToo movement, takes a look at the knock on effect at a local level…
When I received the notification that Swansea City Ladies would become Swansea City AFC Women, I was absolutely delighted. I have dreamed of Swansea City becoming an ‘umbrella’ club since I started the #HerGameToo campaign back in 2021.
The Swans have taken a significant stride towards furthering women’s football by offering 11 well-deserved semi-professional contracts to players in the squad: Katy Hosford, Monet Legall, Claire Skinner, Ellie Lake, Alicia Powe, Nieve Jenkins, Chloe Chivers, Stacey John-Davis, Rachel Cullen, Lucy Finch and Jess Williams.
Captain Hosford has played for the club since 2013 and has given so much to the club through successes with the team and through her community and outreach work with the foundation. I’m so unbelievably pleased that she now has a semi-pro contract, it is a testament to the dedication and talent of the players, such as Katy, at Swansea City.
I absolutely loved Andy Coleman’s statement on the decision and I really hope at some point I can get to chat with him about the #HerGameToo campaign and what we could all achieve together. It’s great to have a chairman who is vocal about these sorts of issues, I find it really helps to bring the fan base of a club together!
Football is incredibly influential in society and it is vital we have good people with good intentions in decision making positions.
As most people know, the growth of women’s football over the last few years has been nothing short of extraordinary. This recent World Cup was incredible, I couldn’t believe how many people were watching it and engaging with it. Things really have changed!
Offering semi-professional contracts is an incredible step, I have broken down why something that may seem small is actually HUGE:
- Financial support. Allows the players to focus more on their training and development, reducing the need for multiple other income streams.
- Enhanced talent development. Access to better coaching, facilities, support which will, over time, elevate the standard of football.
- Increased visibility. More exposure through increased media coverage. Promotes gender equality in football. Inspire the next generation and shows them that becoming a professional footballer is an option.
- Equal Opportunities.
- Wider impact. May inspire other clubs to do the same.
- Professionalisation. May attract higher calibre of player to the club.
I am guilty of not getting myself to a ‘Swans Ladies’ game when I’ve been down visiting my family but I’m hoping to get myself to one this side of Christmas.
I’d also urge Swansea fans to get behind the team, this is so momentous, and I really hope their following continues to increase.
They play some brilliant football and it is only going to get better!
If you’re not able to get to a game, show your support online by sharing and commenting on any social media posts about them. Let’s give them the support they deserve this season.
As the proud Her Game Too ambassador for Swansea City, this development fills me with immense pride and optimism for the future of women’s football in Swansea and Wales.
Thanks to Nige at A Touch Far Vetched for asking me to write something!
Up the Swans. Trust the process and all that.
