Join the British American Football Association on International Women’s Day 2025 to celebrate the impact of women and girls across the community.
With this year’s theme of #AccelerateAction, we hear from women in a multitude of roles throughout the Britball community and how they are driving the sport towards inclusion while achieving success on and off the field.
From players and officials to photographers and volunteers, learn more about just some of the incredible women making a difference in British American football.
Candice Simon and Grace John are contact American football players, representing National Women’s Football League (NWFL) rivals London Warriors and Birmingham Lions respectively, in addition to the Great Britain national programme.
With each having a National Championship to their name in the past two years, their response to “Why American football?” was notably similar.
According to Simon: “The family that you get through American Football isn’t like other sports, we literally put ourselves on the line for our teammates, for our sisters.
“It’s all inclusive there’s a position for everyone, each with its own challenges and it’s good fun.”
For John, the connection with her community was again at the heart of her experience. “It’s such a close community considering how widespread it is over the UK and around the world,” she added.
“I love how individual roles are so prominent in a team effort.”
That togetherness shows itself on gameday and away from the gridiron, as Simon points to team get-togethers and climactic moments at finals as her fondest memories.
“There are a lot [of fond memories] and some of them aren’t even on the field surprisingly, for example Thanksgiving parties we hold every year.
“The one that sticks out is September 16 2023, the last drive of the NWFL Finals in Coventry. It was tense, exhilarating and just to finish with the rest of the family running onto the field when the London Warriors won the first ever 9’s season.
“That feeling is unmatched. All the work we put in, we did that!”
Behind those on-field experiences is a community of dedicated volunteers made up of women including Great Britain’s U17 and U19 Contact Team Managers Rebecca Nequest and Rav Chatha.
Family finds itself at the core of their route into the sport, and in Nequest’s own words, “the Football Family is amazing.”
“In 2019, I watched the Miami Dolphins play at The Hard Rock Stadium with my family because my youngest son (then aged 12) wanted to see a live game. It changed us all. We returned home and searched for our nearest Youth American Football team and found the Somerset Wyverns where it all began for us!
“Taking the GB U17 Lions to Austria in 2022 was groundbreaking for youth football and even though we didn’t win the game, that experience was the foundation of what we do now.”
Chatha’s path into the sport was similar, when in 2016, her sons discovered a passion for American football.
“Since I was always driving them to games and practices, I naturally got involved as well. I enjoyed connecting with others and was always eager to help.
“Over time, I took on various responsibilities with my club team, from organising training camps and washing team kits to providing food, water, and fruit for the players and their parents.
“Witnessing the passion, dedication, and commitment of volunteer staff, players, and their parents or guardians continues to inspire me to invest my time and money in this sport.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals, both dedicated volunteers and truly inspiring young athletes. Despite facing significant challenges, from financial struggles to coming from underprivileged backgrounds, these players remain resilient, staying positive and fighting relentlessly for their dream of playing professionally.”
Stay tuned for more stories from our diverse community of women and girls as we continue to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025!
