The Lionesses' Historic Euros Triumph: Unveiling the Path to Further Transformation
Exclusive interview with England and Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy as she discusses the transformative power of Lionesses' Euros triumph, her fight for diversity in football, advocating for equal opportunities in school sports for girls, and the challenges faced by women in breaking down sporting barriers
On the concrete pitch that she once spent hours playing on as a child, England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy resists the temptation to indulge in nostalgia. Instead, she aims to motivate others by adorning the surrounding metal cage with pictures of ordinary women engaging in sports.
"There's a difference between contemplating it, discussing it, and actually taking the necessary steps to create a significant impact," Wubben-Moy stated exclusively to We.
"Even within London, I am one of the few players from the city on the Lionesses team. Being present here in Bow holds great significance, and when you witness the images here today, it becomes a normal sight that can inspire young girls passing by."
"It's no difficulty to see there's a lack of diversity in the Lionesses squad. It doesn't reflect London, it doesn't reflect the country's demographic as a whole.
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We should not only focus on the team that takes the field, but also on the boardrooms, scouting rooms, and coaching staff, where we currently do not see a true representation of the diversity present in London or England. It is crucial for us to make a greater effort in reflecting society as a whole, and I am aware that further changes are still needed.
Wubben-Moy proudly embraces her social conscience as a footballer, going beyond expectations.
Not only does she passionately champion the cause of promoting diversity in the sport, but she also takes the lead in addressing the issue of limited access to sports for girls in schools.
After the England team's victorious Euro celebrations, Wubben-Moy initiated a journey towards creating a lasting impact. She sought ways to build a legacy that would truly transform the lives of girls. This journey reached its conclusion when the Government, following numerous meetings with the Prime Minister and other cabinet members, committed to ensuring equal access to sports for girls in schools.
"At the time of the Euros, 63 percent of girls had the opportunity to attend school and participate in football, indicating a significant portion of girls who were unable to play the sport like their male counterparts," she explained.
"This serves as just one example of the changes that need to be made at the grassroots level. It signals the beginning of a long journey, as there is still much work to be done. These upcoming months, and even years, will be dedicated to addressing these issues and striving for progress."
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"We must maintain ongoing discussions, persist with the pressure, and I am confident that Ofsted's involvement will greatly assist in holding the Government accountable for allocating the necessary resources towards the agreed upon tasks that benefit us."
Additionally, Wubben-Moy's eventful year included not only triumphs such as winning the Euros and a challenging WSL campaign, but also facing a disappointing loss in the Champions League semi-finals witnessed by a packed Emirates Stadium. Moreover, she found herself in a position where she had to exert pressure on the Prime Minister, a situation closely observed by the global audience.
"It's not about me being a politician. This has never been about me. I am aware that there has been a lot of discussion in the media about me being the driving force behind it," she clarified.
"An idea alone is not enough; it requires effective implementation. Numerous individuals have contributed significantly towards this achievement."
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Leah Williamson and the rest of the Lionesses all faced their fair share of challenges during their upbringing, and they are determined to ensure that young girls do not have to face the same obstacles.
Wubben-Moy has further dedicated her efforts as an ambassador for Gillette Venus' #MoveYourSkin campaign, shedding light on another cause that holds great significance for her.
While acknowledging the visible obstacles such as girls being denied the opportunity to play football in schools, she emphasizes the importance of addressing the less tangible barriers that exist within our society.
"One of which is a third of women don't want to participate in sport because they don't like how their skin looks.
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"It is indeed unfortunate that some individuals may face obstacles due to their physical appearance. However, this also presents an opportunity for us to bring about positive transformations. There should be no hindrance for anyone, including those who are apprehensive about their skin, to actively engage in sports and experience a sense of pride. We must challenge the notion that appearance should limit one's participation. Today, we celebrate these photographs to emphasize inclusivity and encourage acceptance."
Wubben-Moy recognizes the significance of an athlete's influence in promoting social equality, considering it to be an essential tool.
With an off-field impact that surpasses that of most other athletes in the country, she aspires to maintain her on-field achievements during her time in Australia this summer.
What is the World Cup schedule?
The group stage is set to commence on July 20 and will span a duration of two weeks, culminating on August 3. During this phase, the top-performing teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, slated to take place from August 5 to August 8.Following the group stage, the quarter-finals are scheduled to be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney on August 11 and 12.
A third-place play-off is scheduled to take place on August 19 in Brisbane, a day before the final. The first semi-final is set to be held on August 15 in Auckland, while the other semi-final will take place on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The Accor Stadium will also be the venue for the final on August 20.
