Episode 5: Nicola Hobbs

In this bonus episode, I tell the story of the English team that took part in an "unofficial" Women's World Cup in 1971 - a part of football history that was lost to the nation for over four decades and is absent from official records. Mexico saw crowds of 90,000 pack into their Azteca Stadium to witness the tournament and Leah Caleb, one of the English women who went out to Mexico with the team, reminisces about the incredible experience. Main excerpts from a one to one interview with Leah Caleb and a small excerpt taken from Chris Lockwood's interview with the National Football Museum.

Today’s guest is Nicola Hobbs. Nicola played football to a high level for her whole life, and was picked up by Norwich City’s Centre of Excellence as a kid. She was the goalkeeper for top women’s teams such as Doncaster Belles, Sheffield United, Everton and more, as well as playing for the England under-23's team. However sadly, she had to retire early in 2018 as she was unable to continue balancing football with her work commitments as a firefighter.

Today’s guest is Esme Tuttiett. Esme is a performance nutritionist and is soon to be qualified with a doctorate, having studied at top universities such as Loughborough University and the University of Sheffield. She’s currently working with the Rugby League Ireland women’s team and with the men’s academy at Sheffield United F.C., and plans to turn her practitioner focus to women’s football.

Today’s guest is Graham Abercrombie. Graham has coached women’s football teams for 14 years, working at clubs such as Aston Villa, West Brom, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield FC and more. He has dedicated his life to the women’s game, has been extremely successful across multiple football tiers and his mantra is “nothing without work.”

Today’s guest is Jacqui Oatley. Jacqui has had an incredible career in Sports Journalism, working as a presenter, broadcaster and football commentator across multiple channels for almost 20 years. In 2016, she was awarded an MBE for her services to football in recognition of her work behind the scenes championing the role of women working in football, as well as the promotion of the women’s game.

Today’s guest is Cathy Long. Cathy has worked in football for more than 20 years, entering the industry when few women even thought of it as an option. She has held multiple roles at the Premier League, was a Senior Consultant for Tottenham’s new stadium, worked at Women in Sport and now runs her own safety briefing tech company, Aposto.