BLOG
My name is Judy Henson and I created She's On The Ball blog in 2013. It was originally just a hobby of mine to start writing about stories relating to women's football as I noticed there is a lack of websites and blogs out there that already do this. I don't cover results or fancy statistics, I write about important stories that don't always hit the newspapers. I also cover player interviews, sexism scandals and issues within the media. My aim is to help raise the profile of women's football in England and be a part of the exciting future that is ahead in the women's side of the game.
PERSONAL
I am a qualified football coach and play regularly for Chorlton Ladies FC, in the Greater Manchester Women's League. I fell in love with football as a young child, turning gradually into an Arsenal fan due to seeing the dream team era of Bergkamp/Henry/Viera and co. regularly on television. I have played football since that early age, starting down the park with my brothers, all the way up to playing for adult ladies teams. I noticed at an early age there was a lack of options for female players and never knew of any famous professionals, aside from Mia Hamm and Kelly Smith. I started coaching at age 16 for Brompton Juniors FC, North Yorkshire. I had a team of girls from U8 to U12 age and loved being a role model for them, giving them the coaching that I never had as a child. During that time, I went to Maryland, USA in 2008 to experience 10 weeks of coaching soccer camps with 'UK Elite' company. It was the best experience of my life and helped me mature and develop as a coach and on a personal level. The American way of coaching and playing inspired me. They made it fun and it was more sociable, a real family sport. I came back feeling refreshed and full of confidence.
My first adult team I played for was Thirsk Falcons FC, North Yorkshire, and then later moved on the Darlington Ladies FC, Durham. I loved playing for both those teams, but never felt like I fitted in and due to work and travel commitments, which meant I eventually stopped playing for a couple of years. Then I decided one day to start a local team near where I lived in Northallerton. With the help of Brompton Juniors FC, I created a 'Ladies' section of the club for females aged 16+. After a year of publicising, research, administration, coaching, meetings, etc, in September 2012, we finally started our first season in the North Riding Women's League. I spent the first season as player/coach/manager and managed to take more of a backseat role in the second season.
I moved to Manchester in the summer of 2014 as I felt the city would have more opportunities for me to pursue sports journalism and attend training/events. After nine years working in the leisure industry as a lifeguard, the move was a bold step, but I have since found a perfect job working for Altrincham Football Club.
I moved to Manchester in the summer of 2014 as I felt the city would have more opportunities for me to pursue sports journalism and attend training/events. After nine years working in the leisure industry as a lifeguard, the move was a bold step, but I have since found a perfect job working for Altrincham Football Club.
CONTACT
Email: judyhenson89@gmail.com
Twitter: @ShesOnTheBall
Facebook: She's On The Ball
LinkedIn: Judy Henson
GUEST BLOGGER
I’m Ruth, and I'm a sports correspondent based in Manchester.
I am a particular lover of women’s football and have contributed to the
FAWSL website and MM_newsonline, whilst also contributing for others sports to
www.teamgb.com, The Rugby Paper, The Non-League Football Paper and The
Sports Review.
PERSONAL
I’ve loved football since the first time I kicked a ball which was
before I had started walking! My family always encouraged me to play and my
first taste was for my primary school based in Sheffield. I then joined
Socrates Women’s FC which is still growing strong today and went on to play for
Sheffield Wednesday and then rivals Sheffield United Ladies at U18 level.
I’ve always been passionate about watching the beautiful game too,
whether that be a game down at the local park or screaming at the television
screen when Michael Owen scored his wonder goal for England against Argentina
in the 98 World Cup. I adore the game as football has the power to unite
whatever gender, religion, sexuality and race.
I’m delighted in recent years with the increased media coverage women’s
football has received and what a moment for the sport when GB’s 1-0 victory
over Brazil during the 2012 Olympics was roared on by a record 70,584 crowd.
The women’s game has never been so exciting and what a year 2014 is to
look forward to with the launch of the new look two-tier WSL. Manchester City will compete in their debut
season against Arsenal Ladies, Birmingham City Ladies, Bristol Academy WFC,
Chelsea Ladies, Everton Ladies, Notts County Ladies and Liverpool Ladies. During this season I’ll be providing match reports, player interviews
and all the latest news.
CONTACT
