Investing in women’s football isn’t just about money

I watched my beloved Reading FC Women kick off their 2025/26 season on Sunday in emphatic style with a convincing 4-1 win over Badshot Lea at Arbour Park.

And I’ll be real, I got a little choked up post-match. Why?

Mascots from fellow local club Shinfield Rangers raced to the edge of pitch with football shirts, boots, phone cases and autograph books in hand eager to get them signed after the game.

It reminded me of something former Berks County joint-manager Ellis Woods told us during the club’s brilliant debut FA Vase campaign that saw them reach the Third Round in 21/22: “I said to the boys on Sunday, make the occasion for the kids. When you see a kid give them a tap on the head and say hello, make it about them and then as soon as you cross that white line you can play the game we’re here to play.”

It got me thinking back to being that age myself and the lack of opportunities to play at school or for a club and the thought of being able to see women play locally.

That’s the norm for them nowadays but it’s not always the norm for everyone and this is exactly why investment in school and club provisions for girls is so damn important!

See it to be it, always.