As a part of the club’s events and activities to mark International Women’s Day, Brentford brought together first-team players, Zanka, Kristoffer Ajer and Mark Flekken, to hear from female staff members.
The conversation provided an opportunity for our players to learn and listen to the experiences of women working in men’s football.
The discussion covered various topics including the importance of allyship in male colleagues, belonging in football as a woman, and how the football industry can become more inclusive.
Zanka, Ajer & Flekken discuss how to be a good ally
Recognising some of the difficulties women have faced, Zanka said: “It is more difficult to be a woman in football. I think what we are seeing now, globally, is that the women’s game is catching up, slowly but surely, it’s growing. There are so many young girls playing football.
“Football is for everybody. It's not something that the boys play at school or the playground. Everybody plays this.”
“It is more difficult to be a woman in football. I think what we are seeing now, globally, is that the women’s game is catching up, slowly but surely, it’s growing"
During the discussion, reflecting on belonging in football as a woman, one female staff member shared: “I've realised, there is a space for you, a space for people that look like you.
"Your skills are needed, your talent is needed. We need more women in football, we need everyone in football.”