IS progress always a good thing? Watching the progress of women’s sport is interesting, particularly if, like me, you have been involved for around 30 years – you can definitely compare then and now with confidence.
However, sometimes we have to be careful for we wish for! A case in point is Charlton Ladies or Women’s FC, who were “taken over” in February by Thomas Sandgaard, a Danish-American businessman.
It is reported that the new owner is the one pushing for the change in name from women to ladies, against the wishes of everyone involved in the women’s side, as the term is now considered to be derogatory and outdated.
In fact our own Glasgow City FC, who are strong pioneers in the women’s game, made a stand many years ago and dropped the word women from their name altogether.
Leadership is about listening to your team, understanding their issues and beliefs and working together towards success. I think there is some listening to be done on the part of Mr Sandgaard, and the sooner the better.
It’s also fair to say that immense progress has been made by our national team, who fought their way through to compete at the Women’s World Cup in France in 2019, for the first time in their history.
We missed out on the European Championship being held in England in 2022 but the team are currently on the road to qualification for the 2023 World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Their most recent result against Spain was a dent in their progress, losing 8-0 to a well disciplined and talented squad, but don’t let this blip in our progress stop you from supporting the team for the rest of the games.
Remember, you do make a difference, so put April 12, 2022, in your diary – and head to Hampden for the home match against the Spanish.
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