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Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Laura Coombs Laura Coombs has been out of the international fold for quite some time, having last been called up to camp in November 2020. However, the midfielder has deservedly earned her place after pulling out a string of notable performances for Manchester City this season. Coombs, by nature, is a grafter. It is this custom of hers that has seen her rise to the top and re-assert herself as one of the most productive midfielders in the country. With a definitive “keep your head down and get on with it” attitude, Coombs showcases her willingness to tidy up and do the less glamourous work. Whilst she may not offer the creative flair others possess, what she guarantees is key defensive and offensive runs and an off-the ball work rate that is second to none. Coombs is also a known goal-scorer and can hit the net from range. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Bethany England Position Centre Forward D.O.B 03/06/1994 Club Chelsea via Chelsea Women FC

Arsenal's newest recruit Jodie Taylor she is fit and ready to help the team in any way that she can Back “I am absolutely thrilled to be here" says Arsenal forward Taylor Arsenal's newest recruit Jodie Taylor she is fit and ready to help the team in any way that she can Getty 27 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Jodie Taylor recently joined Arsenal for a second spell at the club, signing until the end of the 2022/23 season. The forward had previously played for the Gunners between 2016 and 2017. Since then, she has played in Australia, the United States and France. Taylor has also been capped 51 times and scored 19 goals for the Lionesses. She left San Diego Wave in February after their first season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Taylor came on to make her second debut for Arsenal in the 82nd minute of their recent 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby. After that match, she spoke to the media. Taylor was asked how surreal the last few weeks have been. She answered by saying it has been a “very surreal and crazy 10 days” and that she was just “chilling in LA [like] a month ago”. She added that anything can happen in football and you have to be ready for it, and that “I am absolutely thrilled to be here, so happy to be part of the team”. She felt the North London derby felt like “a real football game” and said that she has been keeping an eye on the league since she left. Taylor noted the Women’s Super League (WSL) has “gone from strength to strength each season, and it is great to see the growth of the game especially off the back of the Euros success”. Taylor thinks Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall just wants her to play her game and settle in. She added she only landed back in London 10 days ago so it “has been a crazy time” . She continued by saying that “however the team needs me, I am here for it and a great opportunity for me to come in back on home soil”. Taylor noted she is still fit, healthy and capable of playing at this level, and she is there to help the team win trophies. With it being the NWSL off-season, Taylor has been working with a personal coach. She said she has been staying fit and this has involved doing “a lot of running, a lot of conditioning, a lot of gym, a lot of individual training and small group stuff” . She mentioned it was about getting her body right and hopes what she has been doing has prepared her. Taylor said she can use her experience and “pass it on to other players” . She noted that she likes that role and got into the later stages of her career by “helping the young ones coming through” . She added that she is a team player. She continued by saying that “it is an important message for older players, it is not over till it’s over, and I am still going”. Taylor finished by saying “I am happy to be here, really happy with how the squad have welcomed me”, and observed that she has played with Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley before and there are a handful of girls that are still with the Gunners from her previous time at the club. News

I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager. Ellen White Position Centre Forward D.O.B 09/05/1989 Club Manchester City via Getty Images

Stevenage and Colney Heath draw level in historical night at The Lamex. Back Match Report Stevenage v Colney Heath Stevenage and Colney Heath draw level in historical night at The Lamex. Ed Payne 15 September 2022 By Ed Payne History was made on Tuesday evening as Stevenage FCW played their first competitive game at The Lamex Stadium against their foes from last year’s County Cup Final, Colney Heath Ladies. With a plethora of chances created, ‘Boro were unable to recreate the 3-0 win from their last outing with the shares being spoiled after goals from Dionne Manning and Terri Harvey, on a landmark day for women’s football in Hertfordshire. A crowd of 465 hardy souls braced the torrential downpour to cheer on their respective sides. And it took just four minutes for Becky Shephard to attempt her heroics from Sunday with a long shot that flew just wide with Harvey signalling the dangers to come down the opposite end, forcing Celine Ray to stretch high to maintain parity. Chances came and went for Manning and Susan Uwaifo, the latter called up from the development squad after claiming a brace against Cambridge City in their 4-1 win. Uwaifo was centimetres away from turning in a cross from Holly Greenwood, last season’s top scorer for ‘Boro, but that moment of history was yet to come. Shianne Swarres, who dictated play in the centre of the park, and Emily Schofield both saw chances spurned before Manning became the first woman to score in a competitive match at The Lamex. It was more good work by Greenwood, this time down the right, battling through the gauntlet and sending the ball towards Shephard. The ball passed her by and fell for Manning to unleash a right footed strike of beauty from the edge of the area that sailed past Naomi Swift and into the net. Stevenage continued to create chances with Schofield and Uwaifo shooting at Swift before the break and the second half saw more of the same. Uwaifo, Swarres, Shephard and Kelsey Millen all had attempts saved, blocked or narrowly off target, whilst Ray kept it tight at the back. Heath however wanted to share in the glory of the occasion and so it was that following a free kick from the same area that Greenwood had delivered in the first half, Harvey – from the same area that Manning had stood sent a thunderous shot goalwards and into the net. Uwaifo and Nicole Farmer had late efforts, but on a day when the points were shared and the weather atrocious, women’s football shone bright and was indeed the true winner. Line-up Stevenage: Ray, White, Farmer, Neal (c), Manning, Swarres, Greenwood, Shephard, Gooderham, Uwaifo, Schofield Subs: Millen, Paci, Craig, Hussain, O’Brien Goal: Manning Attendance - 465

Ultimate Football Heroes : Kirby by Charlotte Browne Ultimate Football Heroes: Kirby Ultimate Football Heroes : Kirby by Charlotte Browne Fran Kirby is the dynamic striker who carries the future of English football on her shoulders. Having been hailed 'mini Messi' by one former manager of England, Kirby's powerful runs and clinical finishing have made her a deadly goalscorer. Read the story of how the girl from Reading earned a big move to Chelsea and took on the world with a ball at her feet. The sky is the limit for Fran Kirby. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kirby-Charlotte-Browne/dp/178946109X/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=Z3TSG&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=RP8MN2EPPE0EEB9Z6BAH&pd_rd_wg=qs7uO&pd_rd_r=2930ea46-738b-4463-91d8-d530b1c33098&pd_rd_i=178946109X&psc=1

Could this be the year of the Matildas? Never Say Die – The case for the Matildas Monday, 3 July 2023 By Ben Gilby Could this be the year of the Matildas? Getty They’ve never gone beyond the quarter-finals at the World Cup, but this time hopes are high that the ‘Golden Generation of Matildas’ along with some exciting young talent can jet propel Australia to a tournament to remember this summer on home soil. After two years of experimentation by head coach Tony Gustavsson, which has seen more players handed first caps than in the previous 23 years of this century, a strong settled squad with depth has been put together for this, the third year of his tenure. It’s been a tough road to get to this stage, and one which has seen several fans call for Gustavsson’s head along the way (“The clown” being one of the politer forms of abuse hurled his way), but the doubters are now won over. As with any form of experimentation, for every young player who performed brilliantly at international level, there were several who struggled, and results suffered. It coincided with a sustained period of friendlies against the world’s top nations that, come July will have seen the Matildas play every single one of the top 10 countries in FIFA’s women’s rankings at least once. “To be the best, we have to play the best regularly,” Gustavsson told me at one of his early media conferences. When it has really mattered in that period though, Australia did step it up. They played some thrilling football at the Tokyo Olympics on their way to a best ever fourth place finish. Conversely, there was a desperately disappointing AFC Asian Women’s Cup (the continent’s version of the Euros) in early 2022. Despite a record breaking 18-0 win over Indonesia in their opening group game, Australia turned a succession of performances that saw them fail to turn total domination of territory and possession into goals. This culminated with a frustrating quarter-final exit to eventual runners-up South Korea. But since October 2022, experimentation has been over, and the best of the youngsters that thrived in the opportunities afforded to them by Gustavsson have meshed with the experienced spine of the team. This has led to a run of form which has seen Australia win six of their last seven matches – a spell which includes wins over England, Sweden, and Spain. Last spring’s ACL injury to Ellie Carpenter could have spelt disaster for the Matildas. However, thanks to Gustavsson’s experimentation, it was never a concern. Young South Australian starlet Charli Grant had been blooded previously at right back and now came into her own. Grant for me, has always been one of the most talented players of her generation. The 21 year-old bosses the right hand side of the defence and is capable of tracking two players at once before using her outstanding ability to read the game to make the right call time after time to close down danger before it eventuates. Whilst not in possession of the rapid pace to get forward that Carpenter does, Grant offers more than the Lyon player in terms of defensive qualities. Her ability to also play left back for her loan side Vittsjö in Sweden means that in the April international window, Gustavsson fielded both Carpenter and Grant in the same team, and it was one heck of a defensive duo who provided threats coming forward on either flank. Host nation advantage is not to be sniffed at either. Think of the support the Lionesses had here last summer – The Matildas have been adored for years back home. In a country where football is only the fifth most watched sport in terms of spectators, they were voted the nation’s favourite national side before COVID – beating the national men’s Rugby League side, the Wallabies men’s Rugby Union team and the Australian men’s Cricket squad – a staggering feat. The success of the Socceroos in reaching the Second round of the Qatar men’s World Cup last December brought raucous scenes on Australian streets. That will be absolutely nothing compared to what the Matildas will do to the nation should they go deep into the tournament. They are icons and deeply loved by their nation. Then there is the famed Never Say Die spirit that the team trademark. That astounding Olympic Games clash with Team GB was a prime example of that, as was their semi-final with the USA that followed it and, painfully for Lionesses fans, their win over the Lionesses at Brentford back in April. One thing that they will want to avoid though is a penalty shootout. You think the England men’s football team has a dire record in spot kicks? The Matildas can match it. Defeats in the quarter-finals of the 2016 Rio Olympics to Brazil, Denmark at the 2017 Algarve Cup, and Norway at the last 16 stage of the 2019 World Cup still cause painful thoughts and the “what might have been” theories. If The Matildas can defeat Canada in the group game that will likely decide who takes the top spot, Australia will be confident of a minimum achievement of making the quarter-finals. Lose that game with the Olympic champions, and a showdown with England in Brisbane in front of 55,000 fans beckons in the last 16. However, as the Matildas are unbeaten in their last three games against the Lionesses/Team GB, maybe that isn’t an encounter for them to flinch at?

Grace Clinton put on a show in London derby between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur Back Match Report Spurs edge thrilling derby as Grace Clinton stars Grace Clinton put on a show in London derby between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur Spurs Women 22 January 2024 By Finley Chung A topsy turvey encounter in the final game of the weekend, saw Tottenham Hotspur come out on top in a seven goal thriller at The Chigwell Construction Stadium. Grace Clinton put Spurs ahead, before the visitors were pegged back by Risa Shimizu. Celin Bizet then gave Spurs the lead again right on half time, with Grace Clinton scoring just after the second half had started, putting Spurs into a seemingly unassailable lead. Viviane Asseyi and Amber Tysiak then hauled West Ham back from the brink to level it up at 3-3, before Jessica Naz struck the decisive blow off the bench, to make it 4-3 to Spurs. West Ham named big name signing, Kristie Mewis on the bench for this one, with Hawa Cissoko coming in for Shelina Zadorsky, who is ineligible to play against her parent club. Spurs named both their Finns, Evelina Summanen and Olga Ahtinen in the middle of the park having both returned in the cup win over Sheffield United last week. Grace Clinton and Martha Thomas returned to the squad and the starting eleven too, with January signings Amanda Nilden, Charli Grant and Matilda Vinberg on the bench. The game got underway in the wind and rain in East London. The first shot of the game came in from Emma Snearle, but it was charged down well by a Spurs defender. Spurs won the ball back then broke with urgency, Grace Clinton drove inside onto her stronger right foot, and laid the ball off to the run of Angharad James, but the fullback couldn’t get the cross right and it went behind the Irons goal, for a goal kick. Spurs made their early pressure pay, as Grace Clinton turned superbly after receiving a ball from Evelina Summanen, before lashing an effort past Mackenzie Arnold to slot her third goal of the season and give Spurs an early lead. West Ham looked to respond instantly, with Barbora Votikova having to be off her line and alert well following an over the top ball which looked to find Vivane Asseyi. Riko Ueki was next to then try her luck, with her effort being blocked well by the Spurs defence. Hawa Cissoko then produced a stunning tackle to deny Celin Bizet a chance to run at goal after Clinton had thread a seemingly inch perfect pass. Bethany England then latched onto a through ball from Angharad James and the Lionesses’ left footed effort was well held by Mackenzie Arnold in the West Ham goal. Riko Ueki was then the first name to go onto the referee’s book following a late challenge on Evelina Summanen, with the Finn okay to continue after receiving treatment. Some more lovely work from Grace Clinton who carried the ball so well, working it out to the right flank before the ball eventually came back to the loanee, who spun and hit a left footed effort which was held by Arnold. Viviane Asseyi then picked up the ball in the left hand channel following a Katrina Gorry pass, but the French international’s effort took a deflection and looped up harmlessly into the arms of Barbora Votikova in the Spurs goal. Hawa Cissoko then found herself in the referee’s book alongside Ueki, picking up a yellow card for a foul on Martha Thomas, when the Scott dropped in to pick the ball up inside the Spurs half. This yellow meant Cissoko would now miss the visit to Bristol City next week, after accumulating five yellows. Asseyi again found herself to be West Ham’s ‘out ball’ and drove into the box following a run down the left hand side, but her cut across was intercepted by Molly Bartrip. From the resulting throw in, they worked the ball into the box and Riko Ueki managed to pull the ball inside, Asseyi prodded the ball towards goal and Risa Shimizu steamed in at the far post behind Ashleigh Neville to lift the ball over Votikova and level the scores. Spurs loplked to respond instantly, Grace Clinton once again at the heart of things, cutting in and curling a brilliant cross which Bethany England met, but the strikers header was a couple of inches over the bar. Spurs looked more alert and Ashleigh Neville nipped in to take the ball from Katrina Gorry, who stayed down and prodded the ball through to Martha Thomas, who’s left footed shot drew a flying save from Mackenzie Arnold. Spurs went back infront three minutes before half time, a wonderful through ball from who else, but Grace Clinton and Bizet emphatically smashed the ball past Arnold to restore the Tottenham lead. Spurs broke again close to half time, with Clinton again at the heart, but she couldn’t quite force the ball through to Martha Thomas, with Amber Tysiak intercepting the pass. A chance then came, that you’d have put your house on Bethany England scoring,. Spurs swung the ball in from the right and it found the left foot of England, who was six yards out but lifted the effort over the bar in the last action if the half. Half Time - West Ham 1-2 Spurs The visitors Tottenham Hotspur got us underway in the second half and started the second on the front foot, just like they ended the first and Celin Bizet had an early effort after linking up with Angharad James, with Arnold out well to smother her effort. From the resulting corner, Grace Clinton took aim from the edge of the box and fire an unstoppable effort into the corner, to double her tally and increase the lead to 3-1 to Tottenham, with Spurs’ seventh outside of the box goal this season. West Ham players seemed to complain in the aftermath of the goal, believing that Amy Turner was impeding Mackenzie Arnold’s line of sight when the shot came in, but referee Stacey Pearson awarded the goal, after consultation with her fourth official. Robert Vilahamn was the first manager to make changes, bringing off Amy Turner and Martha Thomas in place of Ramona Petzelberger and Jessica Naz. Spurs broke yet again with the two subs, Naz and Petzelberger combining to set up Summanen, but her daisy cutter dribbled wide of the post. USA International Kristie Mewis came on for her first West Ham appearance, alongside Anouk Denton and Jess Ziu for Shannon Cooke, Honoka Hayashi and Emma Snerle. Almost immediately, West Ham pulled a goal back, with a stunning ball in from Riko Ueki, which took a nick of Evelina Summanen and Asseyi followed the ball in to haul West Ham, kicking and screaming into the contest. The Host’s tails were up and Kristie Mewis swung a corner into the box which Cissoko acrobatically struck goanward but eventually Clinton was able to run the ball away for Spurs and relieve some of the pressure on their backline. With the wind picking up, West Ham were awarded a free kick which Kristie Mewis stood over and swung into the box which was met by a superb header by Amber Tysiak who’s header looped over Votikova and brought the Irons level with 20 minutes to play. If there tails were up at 2-3, they were flying at 3-3. Kirsty Smith surged down the left almost from the kick off, only to see her cross blocked by Summanen. Spurs then pushed forward, looking for a goal to take the lead again, but Clinton couldn’t quite drill home her hat trick with her low effort wide of Arnold\s goal. Spurs then retook the lead with 15 minutes to go with another twist, Jessica Naz taking aim and firing a low and crisp effort past Arnold to restore the lead with the seventh goal in this crazy, see saw encounter. West Ham were inches away from yet another equaliser, with Gorry scarpering in and winning possession before unleashing a fierce right footed shot, with flew agonisingly wide of the post for The Hammers. Matilda Vinberg then replaced Spurs’ second goal scorer Celin Bizet for her full WSL debut. Seemingly to be an out ball for Spurs with the scrappy attacking play suiting the way West Ham tried to press the Tottenham backline. Much to the comedic relief of the West Ham fans, Molly Bartrip was then awarded a yellow card for a cynical foul, which awarded West Ham another set piece, which Kristie Mewis arrowed goal wards but her effort flew over the bar. Hawa Cissoko was then withdrawn in place of Emma Harries, bringing off a defender for a striker showed that the hosts were going for this, desperate to claw something out of the game. Viviane Asseyi was the latest West Ham name in the referee’s notebook, for a late challenge on Summanen when chasing the ball down. The hosts were piling the pressure on and Mewis found Ueki in the left channel, who’s effort was blocked wide of Votikova’s goal, with the in swinging cover put right on top of keeper, Votikova with the swinging wind, that was hacked away for another corner eventually by Spurs that came to nothing as the game ticked into six minutes of added time. Spurs then did the opposite of the West Ham sub moments earlier, bringing on Charli Grant for her WSL bow in place of Bethany England. Katrina Gorry had been everywhere for West Ham, cutting out a forward Spurs ball which rolled out for a corner which the away side took short with the added time ticking down, with Mackenzie Arnold then rather puzzlingly putting a long kick out of play when she had a lot more time. The Hammers were awarded another set piece, which Mewis hauled into the middle and required some brave, brave defending from Molly Bartrip to get in front of Riko Ueki in the games final action. Full Time - West Ham 3-4 Spurs West Ham, Shimizu 35’, Asseyi 62’, Tysiak 70’ Spurs - Clinton 6’, 48’, Biz4t 43’, Naz 76’

Former Chelsea star Katie Chapman is the final inductee into the 2022 WSL Hall of Fame Back Katie Chapman unveiled as final WSL Hall of Fame inductee Former Chelsea star Katie Chapman is the final inductee into the 2022 WSL Hall of Fame The FA 27 October 2022 FA Media Release Following the induction of Karen Carney MBE and Eniola Aluko earlier today, The FA and lead partner Barclays are delighted to announce Katie Chapman as the final inductee of the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame for 2022. She becomes the seventh inductee into the prestigious Barclays WSL Hall of Fame since its launch last year and is the third player inducted this year with links to Chelsea. Chapman’s honours are almost unmatched, having played an integral role in central midfield for each team she represented during her career, including playing for Arsenal and Chelsea in the Barclays WSL. During her seven years in the league, she won four Barclays WSL titles, four Vitality Women’s FA Cups (ten in total across her career) and three FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cups. The midfield maestro began her career at Millwall in 1996, making her debut as a 14-year-old, before spells at Fulham, Charlton Athletic and Arsenal. A stint in America would follow, before she returned to begin her Barclays WSL career back with the Gunners. There, she won two league and cup trebles as the North London club dominated the early years of the semi-professional era of the game, winning the Barclays WSL, Vitality Women’s FA Cup and FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup. In 2014, she moved to Chelsea, where she finished her career with another two league titles in 2015 and 2017/18, and two Vitality Women’s FA Cups – the second being her last match as a professional in 2018. Chapman announced her retirement from the game following the Vitality Women’s FA Cup triumph, but has remained very much in the game, working as a pundit for BBC Sport’s coverage of the Barclays WSL. Her induction was confirmed by the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame selection panel, which features prominent former players, coaches and an official from the women’s game, as well as journalists and members of FA staff. Vic Akers, former Arsenal Head Coach, and member of the Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame selection panel said: “I’m so pleased that Katie Chapman has been unveiled as the third inductee to the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame for 2022. “I had the pleasure of working with her when she was at Arsenal and I truly believe she is one of our most underrated players. She could dominate a midfield and her leadership on and off the field was something to admire. “Watching her as a player was an absolute pleasure and the influence she had on the players around her was remarkable. I’m over the moon that Katie has been recognised for her impact on the women’s game and inducted into the Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame.” News

A tribute to Kent United goalkeeper Jordan Dawes. In Loving Memory of Jordan Dawes Saturday, 20 February 2021 By Charlotte Stacey A tribute to Kent United goalkeeper Jordan Dawes. All photographs courtesy of the Dawes family. The 22nd February 2021 marks the second anniversary of the passing of Kent Football United goalkeeper, Jordan Dawes. Long before the world heard the news of “the illness of the teenage goalkeeper”, I had heard plenty about “my friend from work, Jordan”. In fact, for an entire year before her death, Jordan’s name regularly infused conversations in my house. My close friend Emily worked with Jordan at a local Hotel Diner and often spoke of her. Knowing we had a shared interest in football, I felt a pang of fondness toward Jordan. To this day I am regretful that I was never able to meet her, I am sure we would have had plenty to talk about. With the permission of her family - Mum, Michelle, Dad, Rob, brother, Luke and sister-in-law, Molly - Emily and I sat down together to speak about Jordan. Emily begins slowly, stirring resting memories that are seemingly reluctant to be disturbed, the good and the bad. Yet I would like to be very clear, this was not a sombre affair. Anything but. Emily speaks about Jordan with such an affection, a warmth so genuine that with every word uttered it feels as if I am truly seeing her. “She loved The Lion King and One Direction” is one of the first things Emily says and just like that eighteen-year-old Jordan is with us. The typical teenager with a love for music, Disney and Netflix. “She liked just normal things. We would go round and just watch films, right up until the end.” A flash backwards and Emily quickly notes that she had not known Jordan for very long. “I think it was just over a year”, yet the impression Jordan has left upon her is striking. A memory of a recently bereaved Emily catches me, she is shakenly asking no one in particular, “I’ve never had anything like this, what do I do?” A stark reminder that time and the people we wish to spend it with do not always go hand in hand. As we continue, what started as a trickle soon became a downpour. We find ourselves in an intimate occasion in which a person opens themselves up without fear of repercussion as Emily begins to describe Jordan with a fluid vivacity. It becomes difficult to not consider that she has unwittingly been waiting to speak so frankly for quite some time. What forms is a vibrant picture of a selfless individual, one that was willing to go above and beyond to make the lives easier of those around her. “She was one of those people who never wanted to let anyone down. She was always trying to do more, always offering to cover people’s shifts and things like that. I used to say to her, ‘Jordan, it’s fine, you don’t have to cover the shifts if it’s too much.’ But that was just it, it was never too much.” Earlier than expected, we find ourselves speaking about football. “She was very good. I’ll admit I don’t know a lot about football, but even I know she was really good at what she did. There was this one save she made that everyone went mad about. People still talk about it now.” Emily is referring to the 2018 Kent Reliance Women’s Cup final. After drawing 1-1, the match that ended up going to penalties and Jordan’s spectacular footed save meant Kent Football United lifted the silverware. The 22nd February 2021 marks the second anniversary of the passing of Kent Football United goalkeeper, Jordan Dawes. Long before the world heard the news of “the illness of the teenage goalkeeper”, I had heard plenty about “my friend from work, Jordan”. In fact, for an entire year before her death, Jordan’s name regularly infused conversations in my house. My close friend Emily worked with Jordan at a local Hotel Diner and often spoke of her. Knowing we had a shared interest in football, I felt a pang of fondness toward Jordan. To this day I am regretful that I was never able to meet her, I am sure we would have had plenty to talk about. With the permission of her family - Mum, Michelle, Dad, Rob, brother, Luke and sister-in-law, Molly - Emily and I sat down together to speak about Jordan. Emily begins slowly, stirring resting memories that are seemingly reluctant to be disturbed, the good and the bad. Yet I would like to be very clear, this was not a sombre affair. Anything but. Emily speaks about Jordan with such an affection, a warmth so genuine that with every word uttered it feels as if I am truly seeing her. “She loved The Lion King and One Direction” is one of the first things Emily says and just like that eighteen-year-old Jordan is with us. The typical teenager with a love for music, Disney and Netflix. “She liked just normal things. We would go round and just watch films, right up until the end.” A flash backwards and Emily quickly notes that she had not known Jordan for very long. “I think it was just over a year” , yet the impression Jordan has left upon her is striking. A memory of a recently bereaved Emily catches me, she is shakenly asking no one in particular, “I’ve never had anything like this, what do I do?” A stark reminder that time and the people we wish to spend it with do not always go hand in hand. As we continue, what started as a trickle soon became a downpour. We find ourselves in an intimate occasion in which a person opens themselves up without fear of repercussion as Emily begins to describe Jordan with a fluid vivacity. It becomes difficult to not consider that she has unwittingly been waiting to speak so frankly for quite some time. What forms is a vibrant picture of a selfless individual, one that was willing to go above and beyond to make the lives easier of those around her. “She was one of those people who never wanted to let anyone down. She was always trying to do more, always offering to cover people’s shifts and things like that. I used to say to her, ‘Jordan, it’s fine, you don’t have to cover the shifts if it’s too much.’ But that was just it, it was never too much.” Earlier than expected, we find ourselves speaking about football. “ She was very good. I’ll admit I don’t know a lot about football, but even I know she was really good at what she did. There was this one save she made that everyone went mad about. People still talk about it now.” Emily is referring to the 2018 Kent Reliance Women’s Cup final. After drawing 1-1, the match that ended up going to penalties and Jordan’s spectacular footed save meant Kent Football United lifted the silverware. Jordan’s football career was an illustrious one and one that undoubtably would have continued up the pyramid. The Dawes family detail Jordan’s extensive career, one that began like many others. Jordan started out playing for a boys team, Titan Tigers, as well as playing for her primary and secondary schools respectively. Jordan’s Mum, Michelle, goes on to explain that she also played for Kent Schools FA, Orpington District, Charlton Athletic, Gillingham and Kent Football United. Furthering Emily’s declaration of Jordan’s skill as a goalkeeper, Michelle explains that Jordan was in the application process for a scholarship in America, “ it looked like she was getting a full scholarship”. Upon asking Michelle what Jordan’s footballing aspirations were, she sincerely replied, “she wanted to go all the way.” Jordan’s former coach, Charlton Athletic and Northern Ireland midfielder Ciara Watling, graciously expressed her admiration of Jordan’s dedication to her sport. “Jordan was an amazing goalkeeper, she had it all! She has been with Gillingham and Charlton, but when I met her, she was playing for a local team, Kent Football United. Her dream was to go to America and play out there which sadly she didn’t get to do, but I know she would’ve succeeded out there and I have no doubt she would’ve come back and played at a high level over here, easily in the Championship.” “She was a very shy girl at first”, Ciara adds, “but she soon came out of her shell and brought a bit of sass with her, always working hard with her goalkeeper coach Neale at APD as well. I loved working with Jordan and the team, the girls were a real unique bunch and made me laugh all day every day.” Jordan was an avid Manchester United fan and was ecstatic to learn they were forming a women’s team. The news was made even sweeter when it was announced goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain would be joining, and that former defender, Casey Stoney, would be taking the helm. Michelle reveals that Chamberlain and Stoney were two of Jordan’s footballing heroes, along with United keeper, David De Gea. After informing Michelle of Manchester United’s success in the WSL, I asked how Jordan may have reacted to this. “J would love it!” A response that fetches a smile. “She got to meet them” , Emily says as I enlighten her on Stoney’s Red Devils. “She met them and went on the pitch and everything.” Emily is speaking about Manchester United’s game against Charlton in January 2019, in which Jordan led the team out whilst wearing Chamberlain’s shirt. “She kept coming into work saying she had headaches and that they were getting worse. She had migraines at work”, Emily starts as we begin to speak about Jordan’s last months. She takes me back to 22nd November 2018, the day that began just like any other. “I was at work and my manager came over to me and he asked me to read a text. It was from Jordan’s Mum and it said ‘We’re in the hospital, J’s had a stroke.’” Emily takes a second, her eyes, for the first time, telling of the pain that is still very real. She goes on to lay out the timeline that followed. “ All we could think was, why did this eighteen-year-old active girl have a stroke?” Unfortunately, the answer was nothing anyone could have imagined. Jordan had liver cancer. She was moved to a London hospital where the Dawes’ then learned of the heart-breaking prognosis, the cancer had spread and there was nothing anyone could do. Just before Christmas, Jordan returned home where the Dawes’, even in their toughest time, on their hardest days, opened their doors to friends and family to visit Jordan as and when they wished. Emily gushes over the Dawes’, “they are the nicest family you’ll ever meet. So lovely, so welcoming, all of them – aunts, cousins, uncles - all of them.” As she begins to describe Jordan’s Mum, Michelle, an upturned smile begins to take shape. Emily speaks with an overwhelming respect, as only someone who has witnessed a person burden a living nightmare can. “ Her Mum did not leave her side. Honestly, she did not leave her at all. Only once did I ever see her [Michelle] cry. She is so strong, she always put on a brave face and never let it show.” As she continues to talk, Emily begins to laugh. She jovially recalls Jordan insisting on being able to go in the hot tub. “She was adamant she was going in” , she jokes, “Her Mum was doing everything she could to put her off because she’d have to be lifted, but she wasn’t having any of it. She was going in. So, there we all were, standing outside absolutely freezing, it was about January time, and there she was, in the tub having a great time just chilling.” “And she wanted this pink Nike bag.” She carries on, the memories tumbling out thick and fast now. “It was to hold the medication that was being pumped into her arm. I don’t know what it was about it, but she just kept going on about this bag.” And there she was. Jordan. The figure that retained that pitch side determination, the girl who’s sense of humour never faltered, who remained her lovable self until the very end. As our conversation draws to a close, Emily recounts Jordan’s last days. On her final Thursday, Jordan was moved to Ellenor Hospice where she peacefully passed on 22nd February 2019. Jordan’s funeral, or ‘celebration day’, as is the preferred term, was attended by roughly eight hundred people. “It was packed, there were so many people that they were spilling over outside.” But further than this, Emily explains a particular incident that occurred on this day and has done on every day that represents Jordan since. “It’s so strange” , her eyes widen in disbelief, “on every ‘Jordan day’ there is a rainbow. I kid you not. Every time.” As if confirming this to herself, she shows me a photograph of a rainbow spanning the sky on the day of Jordan’s service. Emily begins to speak of Jordan’s family once again. “ They like to give back” she says, alluding to the Dawes’ eternal gratefulness for the opportunities Jordan was able to have. The Dawes family, and those close to them, continue to organise fundraisers in order to “give back” to the charities that supported them. Their next fundraiser will be a Tough Mudder in September. It is through these events, these friends and family members that Jordan lives on. Through them she will be forever remembered for everything she was on the pitch and everything she was off of it. For it is clear that Jordan Dawes was someone rather special, someone who brought the sun even when she felt the rain. Just like a rainbow. With special thanks to The Dawes Family, Emily Collins and Ciara Watling. Charities: Ellenor Hospice, Clic Sargent, Rays of Sunshine, Emily Ash Trust, Alexandra Sales Trust

'Unsuitable for Females': The Rise of the Lionesses and Women's Football in England by Carrie Dunn 'Unsuitable for Females' 'Unsuitable for Females': The Rise of the Lionesses and Women's Football in England by Carrie Dunn England's Lionesses are on the front and back pages; their stars feature on prime-time television; they are named in the national honours lists for their contribution to their sport and to society. The names of Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton and Ellen White are emblazoned across the backs of children’s replica jerseys. These women are top athletes – and top celebrities. But in 1921, the Football Association introduced a ban on women’s football, pronouncing the sport 'quite unsuitable for females'. That ban would last for half a century - but despite official prohibition the women’s game went underground. From the Dick, Kerr Ladies touring the world to the Lost Lionesses who played at the unsanctioned Women's World Cup in Mexico in 1971, generations of women defied the restrictions and laid the foundations for today's Lionesses - so much so that in 2018 England's Women’s Super League became the first fully professional league in Europe...when just a few decades previously women were forbidden to play the sport in England at all. This book tells the story of women’s football in England since its 19th-century inception through pen portraits of its trailblazers. The game might have once been banned because of its popularity – find out about the subversive women who kept organising their teams and matches despite the prohibition, who broke barriers and set records – the legends of the game who built the foundations of the stage upon which today’s stars flourish. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unsuitable-Females-Lionesses-Football-England/dp/1913759059/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_2/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=8StAp&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=VR1JFVEYAQEF2K28M89H&pd_rd_wg=6wLEe&pd_rd_r=65f2f0c8-d912-46d2-bbd3-895ec626b467&pd_rd_i=1913759059&psc=1

Bristol City draw level with Southampton in front of 3600 strong crowd at Ashton Gate Back Match Report WC: Bristol City v Southampton Bristol City draw level with Southampton in front of 3600 strong crowd at Ashton Gate via Bristol City 28 September 2022 By Paul Donegan The points were shared between Bristol City and Southampton as the match between them finished 1-1 on Sunday at Ashton Gate. City took the lead during a first half in which they were the better side when Ffion Morgan scored. Southampton equalised soon after half time with Beth Lumsden scoring the goal. Both sides had chances after that but there were no more goals. Bristol City came into the match having won their first three games in the Championship, sitting top of the table and get to concede a goal. They made one change from their last match, a 1-0 win over Sunderland, with Ffion Morgan coming in for Jesse Woolley. Southampton had four points from their first three games and had an impressive 2-1 away win against Crystal Palace in their last match. They made two changes from that victory with Alice Griffiths and Ciara Watling replacing Leeta Rutherford and Paige Peake. Abi Harrison had the first chance for the home side in the 3rd minute but put the effort well wide of target. Harrison had another effort at goal two minutes later which was deflected on its way through and saved by Kayla Rendell. Aimee Palmer had The Robins next opportunity but sent a shot from distance over in the 7h minute. Bristol City were having chances every couple of minutes in the early stages. A low cross from Emily Syme was put behind for a corner in the 9th minute, and then Shania Hayles was just unable to get a touch on Harrison’s cross in front of goal in the 11th minute. A minute later, Morgan sent a cross onto the roof of the net, and Syme saw an effort go wide another minute on. Following the first 13 minutes, the game went through a quieter spell chance wise until the 28th minute when Harrison’s shot from 25-yards was saved by Rendell. Bristol City did take the lead in the 29th minute when Harrison sent a nice through ball to Morgan who took a touch and then sent a right-footed shot into the corner of the net. They had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute when Morgan sent in a cross to Harrison but Rendell made a great save to keep the ball out. Southampton had their first chance of the match in the 37th minute but Katie Wilkinson saw her long-range shot caught easily by Fran Bentley. There were no more chances in the first half as Bristol City went in at half time deservedly ahead. Two minutes into the second half, Southampton equalised. Ella Morris put in a lovely cross which was finished first time by Lumsden from about 10-yards out for her first goal for the club and the first conceded by Bristol City this season. In the 50th minute, the home side had the next chance when Morgan saw an effort blocked after being played through. Wilkinson shot well wide for The Saints in the 60th minute. Six minutes later, Hayles saw a volleyed effort blocked from close range by Southampton defender Laura Rafferty. The second half was proving to be a lot more even than the first with opportunities at both ends. Palmer spotted the Southampton goalkeeper off the line in the 69th minute and sent a long-range lob towards goal but Rendell got back to touch the effort onto the crossbar. Southampton’s next chance came in the 76th minute when Wilkinson turned in the box but the effort was blocked by Lia Cataldo. Bristol City had a couple of penalty appeals for handball turned down in quick succession after that. Both sides went looking for a winner in the last 10 minutes. Bentley made a good save in the 83rd minute to push behind Lumsden’s low shot from the edge of the area. Five minutes later, Morgan’s shot from 25 yards was easily saved by Rendell. Wilkinson saw a long-range effort blocked in the 90th minute. The home side had the last chances of the match in additional time. Morgan was played through and manged to get a shot away whilst it looked like she was being pulled back but Rendell rushed out to block it. Then a cross from The Robins went right across goal but no one could get on the end of it. The final whistle went just after that and both sides had to settle for a point. Another good away result for Southampton though. A great attendance of 3,637 had been at Ashton Gate to watch. The result does keep Bristol City unbeaten and top of the Championship by a point from Charlton and Crystal Palace. Their next league match is away to Sheffield United on the 16th October. Before that, they play Palace at home in the Conti Cup next Sunday. Southampton are in seventh place with five points. They play Coventry United away in the Conti Cup next weekend. Their next league game is on 17th October when they are at home to Birmingham City. Line ups Bristol City: Bentley, Bruce, Powell, Layzell, Cataldo, Syme (Teisar 90’+2’), Palmer (c) (C. Bull 72’), Mustaki, Morgan, Harrison, Hayles (Woolley 78’) Unused substitutes : Clark, Boddy, Hutton, J. Bull, Wilde Goal – Morgan 29’ Southampton: Rendell, Collett, Rafferty, Parnell (C), Ward (Mott 46’), Morris, Watling (Rutherford 78’), Griffiths, Lloyd-Smith (Wynne 78’), Lumsden (Pusey 90’+2’), Wilkinson (Williams 90’+2’) Unused substitutes: Harris, Freeland Goal – Lumsden 47’ Referee – Ella Broad Attendance – 3,637