Carla Ward: Game-changing leadership in women’s football

Lucy Adams has spent her life on a skateboard – but it’s her impact off the ramps that’s transforming the sport forever. From being one of only a handful of women in UK skateboarding in the ’90s to leading the charge for equity and inclusion today, Lucy has carved out a path where others once shut the door.In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lucy shares what it’s really like to break into a male-dominated sport, fight for recognition and push for a future where every girl feels welcome on a skateboard.In this episode, Lucy reveals:The grit it took to thrive in a sport where women were often invisibleWhy representation matters – and what it means to truly belong in skateboardingThe battles to make skateboarding safer, more accessible, and more inclusiveHow she’s helping rewrite the rules for the next generation of skatersThe emotional highs and lows of being a pioneer in a sport that wasn’t built for youFrom small-town skate parks to global stages, Lucy Adams has paved the way for thousands of women and girls to ride free. This is the story of resilience, rebellion and reshaping a sport for good.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

Diane Edwards (Modahl) was one of Britain’s brightest middle-distance stars, a Commonwealth gold medallist and four-time Olympian whose remarkable career was thrown into turmoil when she was wrongly accused of doping in 1994. What followed was a devastating two-year battle to clear her name – a fight that cost her financially, emotionally, and professionally – but could not break her spirit.In this compelling and emotional conversation, Diane shares:Growing up in Manchester as the daughter of Jamaican parents and discovering her talent for athleticsThe golden years of her career, winning Commonwealth gold and setting a British record over 800mThe traumatic moment her life changed forever when she was falsely accused of dopingThe brutal cost – financially, emotionally, and reputationally – of proving her innocenceWhy she still hasn’t received an apology from UK Athletics to this dayHer remarkable resilience in returning to international competition and representing Great Britain againThe powerful work she now leads to create opportunities for young people in sportThis is a story of extraordinary talent, unthinkable injustice, and relentless determination to fight for truth and fairness in sport.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

Our guest on The Game Changers today is Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby. Sally has an incredible track record in transforming women’s sports. A former non-executive director of England Netball, advisor the FA, UEFA and other international football federations, Sally played a leading role in the creation of the Netball Super League AND the FA Women’s Super League.An expert in the professional and commercial development of women’s sport, Sally has worked internationally on major projects in women's football, tennis and netball, understanding first-hand how to create and develop professional leagues, major events and commercial partnerships.At World Rugby Sally leads the Women in Rugby team, collaborating with colleagues across the sport to accelerate women in rugby on, and off the field.In this fascinating hour we explore what it takes to truly accelerate progress for women’s rugby – and women’s sport – worldwide, from creating professional pathways to building commercial success and driving global participation.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

"Women in sport shouldn’t have to choose between motherhood and their career. We need real investment, policies and understanding to make both possible."England netball legend Eboni Usoro-Brown (formerly Beckford-Chambers) wore the red dress 117 times across an extraordinary 15-year career, including that unforgettable Commonwealth Games gold in 2018.A trailblazer on and off the court, Eboni has combined elite sport with a career in law, championed dual careers, and inspired so many through her return to professional netball after becoming a mother.In this episode of The Game Changers podcast, Eboni shares her remarkable journey as we go behind the scenes of England’s dramatic 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold and explore the resilience and mental toughness needed to stay at the top for over a decade.Eboni talks why every athlete needs a “Plan B”, the reality of returning to professional sport after pregnancy and her thoughts on the future of the Netball Super League.Having been a massive fan of Eboni's for many years, Sue loved this powerful and inspiring conversation about chasing your dreams, overcoming challenges and leaving a legacy that opens doors for others.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

"Missing Olympic selection again broke me, but it reminded me I'm more than a rugby player."Today on The Game Changers podcast it's our absolute joy to talk to Scottish rugby star Rhona Lloyd, who shares her remarkable journey from a young girl defying stereotypes to becoming one of Scotland’s fastest and most dynamic players. With 57 caps and 25 tries for her country, Rhona’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery and redefining what it means to be strong. Having returned from four years playing in France, Rhona is about to represent Scotland in the Women's Rugby World Cup, before she joins Sale Sharks Rugby Club to play in Premiership Women's Rugby.In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, we explore:-- The heartbreak of missing out on Olympic selection – twice-- How Rhona has built strength and identity beyond the pitch-- The real highs and lows of life as a professional female athlete-- The remarkable bond within the Scottish women’s team-- Helping girls build body confidence through sportRhona speaks with raw honesty about career setbacks and personal trauma faced by the national team, and how those moments have shaped her as both a player and a person.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

When a photograph of Sophie Power breastfeeding her three-month-old baby mid-race went viral, it sparked a global conversation about motherhood, sport, and equality. But for Sophie, the moment was never about heroics - it was about the barriers women face just to reach a start line.In this powerful episode of The Game Changers, Sophie – a world record-breaking ultra-runner and founder of SheRACES – shares how she’s challenging a sport designed for men, campaigning for pregnancy deferrals, fair cut-offs and real equity for women in endurance events worldwide.In this episode, Sophie reveals:The anger and injustice behind that iconic UTMB imageWhy so few women make it to ultra start lines – and how to change thatThe life-changing power of endurance challenges for women everywhereHow SheRACES is driving global reform in running and triathlon eventsWhat resilience really looks like when you’re juggling motherhood, sport and ambitionFrom running 347 miles across Ireland to smashing a 48-hour treadmill world record, Sophie Power is redefining what’s possible and refusing to leave other women behind.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

From jumpers for goalposts on a council estate to managing at the highest level of women’s football, Carla Ward’s journey is one of courage, resilience and breaking through barriers. Now leading the Republic of Ireland women’s national team with ambitions to reach the 2027 World Cup, Carla has navigated a fast rise from player to coach, defied expectations, and spoken openly about the reality of balancing a demanding football career with motherhood.In this powerful episode of The Game Changers, Carla shares the unfiltered truth about life in football, leadership, and the challenges female coaches face in the modern game.We talk about:Growing up in grassroots football when girls’ teams didn’t existThe emotional and brutal transition from player to manager overnightBuilding winning teams through culture, unity and beliefSurviving the toughest jobs and proving doubters wrongThe sacrifices of coaching and the impact on family lifeWhy women coaches deserve more opportunities – and fair payLeading a national side and dreaming of World Cup successAn honest and eye-opening conversation about risk-taking, resilience and the fight for equality in women’s football.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

Sammi Kinghorn’s journey from a life-changing farming accident to the top of the Paralympic podium is nothing short of extraordinary. A double world champion, Commonwealth medallist, Paralympic gold winner and now a popular BBC presenter, Sammi’s story is one of unbreakable resilience.In this powerful conversation, Sammi opens up about:Rebuilding her life as a teenager after a devastating spinal injuryThe mental battles behind the medals – and how anxiety has shaped her racing careerThe fight for equality and representation in para sportFinding purpose beyond the track and redefining what success really looks likeAn inspiring and honest conversation Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

Welcome to The Game Changers – the podcast that celebrates extraordinary women in sport. In Series 20, we’re shining a light on the courageous, pioneering and fiercely passionate women who are re-defining the future of sport.You’ll hear from Diane Edwards, the Commonwealth 800m champion who overcame a devastating injustice and fought a landmark legal battle to clear her name before becoming a powerful advocate for inclusion and opportunity in sport.Pioneering skateboarder, Lucy Adams, shares how she carved her path in a male-dominated sport – breaking boundaries, staying true to herself and inspiring young people, from all backgrounds, to step onto a board.Respected both as a former player and now as a top-flight coach, Carla Ward reveals what it really takes to lead in the high-pressure world of women’s football, while ultrarunner and campaigner Sophie Power opens up about motherhood and rewriting the rules for women in endurance sport.We talk to Scottish rugby star Rhona Lloyd about body image and using her platform to challenge attitudes in society, and England netball icon Eboni Usoro-Brown about the challenges of motherhood in elite sport and her evolving mission to drive change on and off the court.We hear from Sally Horrox, now shaping the global women’s game at World Rugby, as she shares insights from a groundbreaking career that’s spanned the commercial rise of netball and women’s football – including the creation of two Super Leagues.And Sammi Kinghorn, Paralympic gold medallist and world-record holder on her extraordinary story of grit, growth and overcoming the unimaginable.  Join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines and explore what it means to drive real change in sport.New episodes in this series will be released throughout August on Mondays and Wednesdays each week, so please follow or subscribe now and you’ll be the first to hear from these extraordinary trailblazers.The Game Changers is free to listen to on all podcast platforms or from our website @fearless.women.co.uk. The website is also where you’ll find details of the Women’s Sport Collective, our free, inclusive community for all women working in sport.Thank you to Sport England, who support The Game Changers podcast (and the Women’s Sport Collective) through with a National Lottery Award.The Game Changers – Series 20.  Inspiring conversations with fearless women in sport.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

"Great athletes aren’t just terrified of losing – they’re traumatised by it. That’s what drives them."In this powerful and inspiring episode, Sue Anstiss is joined by one of the most influential figures in British sport, Mel Marshall. A former Olympian turned world-renowned coach, Mel is best known for guiding Adam Peaty to Olympic gold and multiple world records – but her story is so much more than medals and podiums.From her early days as a fiercely competitive swimmer to her current role leading an elite performance hub in Australia, Mel shares the highs, the heartbreaks and the lessons learned along the way. She speaks openly about the pressure of elite sport, the emotional cost of coaching and the values that have shaped her remarkable career.Mel reflects on the extraordinary partnership with Adam Peaty, the importance of empathy in high performance and why we must do more to support and spotlight female coaches. She also reveals what’s next in her journey – and why she believes her best days are still to come.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention and the people who quietly shape greatness from the sidelines.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production