As long as I can remember, my passions and hobbies have revolved around sport. From a young age, I found sport was no longer just a pastime, but a space where I could challenge myself, grow, and connect with others...
As long as I can remember, my passions and hobbies have revolved around sport. From a young age, I found sport was no longer just a pastime, but a space where I could challenge myself, grow, and connect with others. I started playing football when I was 11 years old, and it quickly became one of the biggest parts of my life. The thrill of the game, the sense of community, and the joy of achieving something together have stayed with me ever since.
Over the past three years, I have had the honour of being an avid member of Queen Mary Women’s Football Club (QMWFC). In my second year, I took on the roles of Social Secretary and Social Media Officer, learning the importance of communication, community-building, and ensuring that our members feel supported both on and off the pitch. Now, in my third year, I am proud to serve as President of this incredible club. Leading QMWFC is a responsibility I carry with immense pride, alongside my wonderful committee and all our dedicated members. This club truly means the world to me, and together, we are committed to fostering a community where women’s sport thrives.
Being part of a women’s football club today is more exciting than ever. The past few years have seen the Lionesses achieve back-to-back successes that have inspired young girls across the country. Their triumphs have shown the world the power, skill, and resilience of women in football. Yet, despite these milestones, sport remains an outlet that is not equally accessible to everyone. Too many young girls, due to underrepresentation and lack of opportunity, miss out on the joy and benefits of participating in the beautiful game. This is something we must change. Every girl deserves a chance to kick a ball, to be part of a team, and to dream of sporting glory.
Funding and support are critical to making this vision a reality. Student unions, universities, and sports bodies must invest time, money, and energy into women’s sport – not as an afterthought, but as a genuine priority. Adequate resources enable clubs like QMWFC to train, compete, and thrive, while also building a lasting culture where female athletes are valued, celebrated, and empowered. Funding is not just about facilities or kits; it is about signalling that women’s sport is valued and here to stay – and with the right backing, this is only the beginning of our journey.
As President of QMWFC, I am committed to building more than a football club – we are building a community where passion, empowerment, and opportunity thrive. This club is a place where women feel valued, supported, and inspired to push beyond what they thought possible. Every training session, every match, every member who walks through our doors is proof that women’s sport is not waiting for permission to succeed.
The future of women's sport is not just bright. It is being built right now, by clubs like ours, one season at a time.
Written by Koyel Sen, President of Queen Mary Women’s Football Club