In the spirit of International Women's Day today, March 8th, at Fulham FC Foundation we are taking a moment to recognise the empowering women who make a difference within our organisation. As the official charity of Fulham FC, we're committed to building a healthy, inclusive, and thriving community through the power of sport.
But this wouldn't be possible without the dedication of each and every one our female staff members.
From coaches and coordinators, to community outreach specialists and programme managers, we are proud to have a diverse group of talented women leading the charge.
Today, we are shining the spotlight on the inspiring stories of these remarkable women. We'll unpack their roles within Fulham FC Foundation, understand their inspiration in the world of sports, and glean valuable insights for those seeking a path in this exciting field.
#InspireInclusion #IWD2024
Sam Hadley
Job role: Female Football Development Manager
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: I have been working at Fulham FC Foundation since November 2019. I have been fortunate enough to have had several roles since starting at the Foundation, but my role now is to engage, inspire, support and grow female participation across all programmes in line with the Foundation Strategy.
Your inspiration in sport: Hope Powell. As a young female coach who wanted to get more involved in coaching, Hope Powell was the person that I aspired to be. As England’s first full time coach of the Women’s national team, Hope Powell’s journey motivated me to complete further coaching badges, and inspire me to seek a career in football.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: Believe in yourself and always take opportunities when they arise. Never give up!
Janet Taylor
Job role: Director of Finance
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: My job is to ensure that the Foundation follows good governance and remains in a financially good place. Or, in short, I look after all the numbers. I have been at the Foundation for 14 years. As the Foundation has grown, both financially and in complexity, the job has changed as well with my role now looking after risk and governance. I have stayed this long as the role continues to challenge me and I like working in a sector that cares about its community.
Your inspiration in sport: Novak Djokovic, he is a powerhouse so passionate about his sport and just keeps going, such stamina and commitment.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: My role doesn't necessarily need you to want to directly work in sport. However, in my role it helps if you have values which align with the mission of the company you work for. Accounting skills are transferable and can be adapted to working in any sector you like
Katy Shephard
Job role: DisAbility Development Manager
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: As the DisAbility Development Manager, I am responsible for all the DisAbility activities that we run at the Foundation. Ensuring that all participants with a disability have an opportunity to play in an environment suited to their needs. In addition, I support all the other areas of the Foundation to make sure that their sessions and activities are open and inclusive to all to participate, whether this be through individualised inclusion plans or supporting coaches through training and CPDs.
Your inspiration in sport: Kadeena Cox (MBE). Kadeena is Paralympic Gold Medalist, who had a stroke in 2014 and then was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) later the same year. She had previously been an athlete competing on a national stage in sprinting and also vying for a place on the British Skeleton team. Following her diagnosis, she was intent on making the 2016 Paralympic team for Rio and subsequently took home two gold medals, a silver and a bronze!
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: My advice is to grasp any opportunity you get to learn and develop with both hands, and even if this takes you out of your comfort zone, give it a go! You never know where this might take you.
Gianna Halajian
Job role: Digital Marketing and Design Intern
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: I am responsible for helping with Fulham FC Foundation’s marketing and communications. This includes strengthening our social media and web presence through infographics, blog posts, profiles, editorial videos, and photographs. I am an American student studying abroad here for the next seven weeks as part of my study abroad curriculum! I am from Boston and I study advertising and business at Boston University.
Your inspiration in sport: David Beckham, for sure. He is easily one of the greatest football players of all time. I am fascinated by all of his achievements, especially his resilience. He endured so much hardship in the media throughout his career, and his strength through it all is inspiring. I admire how he continues his involvement with football past retirement being the president of and co-owner of Inter Miami FC.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: Start every morning by setting a clear intention. This is a powerful way to proactively shape your day, rather than just letting it happen to you. An intention could be anything from a specific goal, a desired quality you want to cultivate, or maybe a general feeling you want to maintain, whatever is serving you.
Lauren Binfield
Job role: Youth Engagement Officer
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: I lead the Premier League Inspires programme, working in six secondary schools across South London. The programme focuses on supporting young people through targeted intervention, both in the classroom and outside playing sports. I joined the Foundation in September 2022 after working for five years with Surrey Police, before that studying sport development at university and travelling the world for a year.
Your inspiration in sport: Ever since I started playing football at the age of 12, my first inspiration was Rachael Brown. Being a goalkeeper myself, I loved watching her command her area. I now love watching Mary Earps who is not only a great goalkeeper but an inspiration to all.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: Remember, we all deserve to have the same opportunities. Go for what you want and don’t let anyone get in your way. Never doubt what you do and follow your dreams.
Laura Everton
Job role: Health Development Manager
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: I look after our community health and wellbeing programmes, aiming to improve physical health, mental health and confidence and to reduce loneliness and social isolation. I’ve been at Fulham FC Foundation for four years within the Health and Wellbeing department.
Your inspiration in sport: Serena Williams. She has come through a lot of adversity to get where she is today and champions tennis over decades of the game. Her continuous drive to keep doing more is what inspires me, as well as being such an incredible advocate for women in sport.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: You don’t need to be a superstar athlete to be involved, there are so many different roles in sports clubs, charities and venues that could be perfect for you!
Rachel Coombs
Job role: Fundraising Officer
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: My role is to support the development and delivery of all Fulham FC Foundation fundraising activities. These include income streams such as our annual events and regular giving scheme, Supporters of the Foundation. I also work on matchdays, assisting with mascots and any pre-match events. I have been working at Fulham FC Foundation for six months, and I am enjoying seeing the fantastic impact that Fulham FC Foundation has across SW London.
Your inspiration in sport: My inspiration in sport is Nicole Adams. The first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal in 2012, Adams helped bring women into the spotlight in such a male dominated sport.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: There are a varied amount of roles within sport, you can be close to the sport you love without being the best! Put job alerts on for sport organisations that you would like to work for. When a new role is advertised, think about what transferable skills you have gained throughout your experience, and what this could bring to your desired role.
Gemma Taylor
Job role: Safeguarding Manager
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: I have worked at the Foundation and Club for five years. I was involved in the female football programmes, then became a Youth Engagement Officer running the Kicks Targeted programme, and am now the Safeguarding Manager.
Your inspiration in sport: Mary Earps is my inspiration in sport. For what she has done with aspiring female footballers and goalkeepers. Not just on the pitch but off the pitch, Mary has fought for equality in sport.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: I would say don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Take every opportunity that comes your way. You deserve to be here!
Mia Clarke
Job role: Assistant Coach
Story at Fulham FC Foundation: I started attending Fulham Kicks when I was 14. I really wanted to become a football coach so I asked a Fulham Kicks coach about it. The Foundation helped me to become one, supporting me throughout this time. I now coach on Fulham Kicks, Saturday Skills Club, and the More Than A Game programme.
Your inspiration in sport: Jill Scott. I have looked up to her since I was young! Jill has done amazing things for female football and she was amazing when she played for England. Even though Jill is retired now, she still tries hard to make a difference.
Advice for those wanting to work in sport: I would say to keep following your dreams, you can do whatever you want to do if you keep working hard!
