Clubs celebrate role models for International Women's Day

Monday was International Women's Day (IWD), a global day which celebrates women's achievements in society and is a call to action to accelerate gender parity and women's rights.

Premier League clubs and players marked the occasion by shining a light on the female coaches, players and inspirational staff members.

The value of female role models in football was a theme throughout IWD.

At Burnley, where the women's team is fully integrated into the football club, goalkeeper Nick Pope spoke to former Lioness Rachel Brown-Finnis and current captain, Lauren Bracewell.

Crystal Palace shared a blog by Roxanne Bennett, Women and Girls Lead at Palace For Life Foundation, in which she talked to four women at the club about their roles, including Director of Operations, Sharon Lacey.

Aston Villa spoke to Clare Buckley, who at 31 is one of the youngest female safety officers in the country, in what is a predominantly male-dominated environment. "If you have a passion to do something and obtain the skills to do it, then go for it," Buckley says to women looking to work in the football industry.

Understanding the importance of women's visibility as role models was recognised by Brighton & Hove Albion defender Dan Burn, who said how vital this will be as his young daughter grows up.

Everton were the first Premier League club to use their women's team to launch their kit in 2018/19.

Sasha Ryazantsev, Chief Finance and Commercial Official, discussed how the men's and women's teams have united and their shared ambitions.

West Bromwich Albion highlighted some of the 25 women working at the Albion Foundation, the club's official charity, and spoke of their shared belief in the importance of following your dreams.

The challenges and gender discrimination faced by women footballers headed the discussion at Manchester City, where Lucy Bronze told how she overcame these barriers on her career pathway. 

Manchester United Foundation celebrated IWD by joining Levenshulme primary school for a video call with guests including professional golfer Sophie Walker.

West Ham United's Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, shared which women inspire them and why.

Clubs including Fulham and Leeds United hosted webinars on IWD while the Liverpool Foundation created a unique session to explore the career paths of local female business owners.

See: Premier League clubs full show of support on International Women's Day