Kinetic Girls’ Academy Manager, Tyra Mills, was at the Women in Football Be Inspired Conference this week at Wembley Stadium where she was invited to speak on the panel for ‘Firm foundations: Working in the grassroots game’, getting to talk about her personal experiences and the work that we do at Kinetic Foundation.
Jill Scott was a keynote speaker in conversation with Hayley McQueen. There was then some great discussions had throughout the day on a wide array of topics including the ‘The Power of Football: Football for social change’, ‘Careers off the pitch’, ‘The stories of Women in Football’ and ‘Male allies investing in the Women’s game’.
Tyra Mills: “I had an amazing time at the Women in Football conference. It was amazing to be around so many influential females and males. Was great to hear from Anna Kessel MBE, Dion Dublin, Kat Craig, Preeti Shetty, Jill Scott and so many others. Also, extremely buzzing to have been able to speak on the panel!”
Just a few of the great bits of advice and insight handed out:
Archie Kalyana (Diversity Producer, BBC Sport): “Be really brilliant at what you do and shine. Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s one of the most exciting industries to work in.”
Denise Richmond (Chair, Kent FA): “It’s invaluable getting volunteering experience. It gives you that confidence we’ve spoken about all day.”
Kat Craig (CEO, Athlead): “Happiness is figuring out what you’re good at and using it to help other people.”
Debbie Cook (CEO, Grimsby Town FC): “My success doesn’t come at the expense of anyone else’s”
Anna Kessel MBE (Executive Director of Development, Sky Sports): “Don’t be afraid to fail”
Monique Choudhuri (Non-Executive Director, Brentford FC; Managing Director, Versify Consulting; Director, Women in Football): “Breaking the glass ceiling is being able to go in and see there are people who look like me… that there are people high up in organisations setting the bar for women to succeed.”
Women in Football aims to improve women’s representation at all levels of the game by challenging discrimination and lobbying for change in the sport industry, and eliminate negative attitudes towards women working in football. The Women in Football Be Inspired Conference in partnership with Barclays supports women building careers in and around the football industry, offering information, advice and inspiration.
