Meet our talented Football Scholar Charlotte Clarke, sharing her thoughts on International Women’s Day
Which women inspire you?
I am inspired by women who dare to be different and often overcome disadvantages created by stereotypes. One woman who fits this perfectly who has overcome comments about her size, gender and race is the beautiful and talented Serena Williams. She puts to shame any doubters of a woman’s capability.
Your personal achievements in sport?
My first sporting achievement came when I was 10 years old when I trialled for Crewe Alexandra Centre of Excellence and was accepted as a goalkeeper. Since then I have played for Stoke City Centre of excellence, Derby County Centre of Excellence, Derby County ladies and Leicester City women. More recently I have been playing for Stoke City women. My most recent sporting achievement was being selected for an England under 21 women’s camp.
As a Sportswoman how important is it for women to lift each other up and what does this mean to you?
Women in football are still invading men’s territory, social media comments often deride women’s ability to play the game. Therefore women must stand together to prove that we need the opportunity and the means to support each other.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women?
Opportunities exist more than ever before for any women to be whatever they want to be, and achieve whatever they set their mind to, no matter what or who may stand in your way.
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