‘Good for a girl’: These are the most sexist things said to women footballers

Varsity is fast approaching and the ULFC’s Women are ready.

Wondering whether there is still a stigma attached to the world of female football, we asked the team what negative remarks they’ve received about playing the game.

Christina Halm

• Striker (scoring seven goals this season)
• Medical Biochemistry

“You’re good for a girl.”

Isabella Nason

• Midfielder
• English

“So now you’re going to turn to girls?”

Katie Scott

• Defender
• English

In reference to a player’s severe injury: “Somebody split their nail?”

Alex Howell

• Midfielder
• Biological Sciences

“Yeah but it’s all just hair pulling in girls football, there’s no real hard tackling is there?”

Louisa Davis

• Midfielder
• Medical Physiology

During a tackle: “Don’t go hurting yourself now sweetheart.”

Emma Aspinall

• Striker (scoring five goals this season)
• Geology

When going to have a kick about with some of the lads: “Haha who bought the girl along? Haha don’t worry we’ll go easy on you!”

Olivia Ash

• Goalkeeper
• History

“You’re a keeper? I thought they put the fat one in goal?”

Sophie Iliffe

• Striker
• Law and Politics

“Are you sure you know the offside rule?”

Lydia Thomas

• Striker (scoring 5 goals this season)
• Microbiology

“You can’t play with us because you’re a girl.”

Spanny Levin

• Defender
• French and Italian

“So you must be a lesbian if you play football.”

Clare Howe (AKA Señora Mourinho)

• Captain and Midfielder
• Human Geography

And some final words from the captain of course, who is also an advocate for breaking sexual stereotypes in sport:

Clare says: “When I played against boys at Victoria Park they mocked me for being a girl, and then acted surprised when I could play football.”

Don’t miss out on these girls playing their hearts out at Varsity on Monday 23rd March, 5.15pm kick off, Aylestone Park FC.