Celebrating International Women’s Day

Club Director Pat Carr (above right with the club’s #HGT Ambassador Sarah Aitchison). ”Each International Women’s Day, I’m reminded of the remarkable fact that women in the UK were banned from playing association football between 1921 and 1971. It’s a stark reminder of the progress we’ve made, and the work that’s still ahead. 

So it’s with immense pride and a sense of shared history that I serve on the board of this wonderful club. Accepting the invitation was a virtual high five to those banned predecessors, women who paved the way for us today. While there’s much to celebrate, the reality is that fewer than a third of EFL clubs have female board members. While we’re proud to be part of that ‘elite’, let’s be clear: our appointments shouldn’t be about quotas alone but about the unique skills and perspectives we bring to the table.”

Supporter Liaison Officer and lifelong Sutton fan Claire Loughlin: “Being a woman working at a football club can often be a difficult thing. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a team where my views and opinions are not only heard but valued. It is so important to me to champion women in this space and make sure that we continue working to make Sutton United an even more inclusive space.”

Sutton defender Justine Buckmire: “Mothers like Sophie Modak, our captain – despite the demands of caring for a little one, they exude athleticism and excellence, showcasing how remarkable and multifaceted women can be. And Alex Scott is a super inspiring woman in football. She was immense on the pitch but is also smashing it off the pitch and has destroyed so many stereotypes along the way. Players like Chloe Kelly also inspire me as she came back from an ACL injury to help England win the Euros, which is just unreal!”

Home-and-away Sutton supporter and HerGameToo advocate Emma Harmeston-Taylor: “Emma Hayes is my hero, in football and out of football. She is always so cool and composed and she talks so much sense!”

The final word goes to Sarah: ”A special thank you to all of those wonderful women and to all the others who give so much to our club. You make me even more proud to be a Sutton fan, and as Justine added, “Women in football rock!”