Latest news with #FleurCousens
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
The inspirational football club helping everyone enjoy the beautiful game - as England captain Leah Williamson pays it a visit
Ever been told football is a 'man's game'? One up-and-coming footballer, Fleur Cousens, grew so sick of hearing this claim that she decided to start her own grassroots club dedicated to proving football didn't need to be gendered. The young coach founded Goal Diggers FC in 2015, and it's since grown into a welcoming, vibrant community that gives everyone the chance to experience the joy of becoming part of a team, regardless of their ability or experience. After all, football doesn't just build athletes, it builds futures. By helping individuals feel part of something bigger, it gives them the confidence and motivation to succeed in other areas of life too. Fleur's success with Goal Diggers has attracted the attention of none other than England captain Leah Williamson OBE, who visited the club's base in north London to hear how they were helping more women take up football. 'It was me and 10 boys!' Fleur on how she began her coaching career Going through any form of assessment can be daunting, but it's even more so when you stand out from everyone else taking part. 'When I did the coaching course it was just me with 10 teenage boys,' she says. 'I was able to show my skills - with respect to the teenage boys - and I started coaching right away.' The footballing legend was recently named one of Weetabix's 'all-star' athletes joining Sir Mo Farah, Ade Adepitan MBE and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill to help the nation achieve their goals bix by bix, a role she's using to help further her mission of getting more women and girls into the beautiful game. A video of the visit shows Fleur telling Leah about her inspiration for starting Goal Diggers, and how it's gone on to change her life. 'I was fed up of being told football was a man's game - so the whole point of Goal Diggers is to make sure that no one's ever told no,' she says. 'Football has the power to change lives. Goal Diggers is my world, it's my community, it's where I feel most myself.' Meanwhile, other players share how the club has helped them find a community that now goes far beyond football, even though that's what brought them together. The footballer is deeply impressed by Fleur's achievement, telling her: 'The power of football is that you're one of many, so to tap into that is fantastic. 'I think when I reflect on my career it will be the people I think about more than anything else.' Goal Diggers is a shining example of what can happen when everyone is given the tools and support they need to achieve their ambitions. The chance to start playing football in a supportive and friendly environment has proved popular, with the side now boasting more than 200 members. Great starts are still central to Leah's success too, which is why she chooses Weetabix as her pre-match meal. 'A bit of Weetabix with milk suits me perfectly - I'm a plain girl anyway!' she tells Fleur while they break away from training to enjoy a bowl. But while not all of us are running out for England, we are all facing our own challenges every single day. And to do so with confidence, with energy and focus, we can learn from the Weetabix all-stars about what everyday habits help them be the best they can. From having a healthy breakfast to set you up for the day to joining in team sports to boost self-confidence and feel part of something bigger, there are many tips we can take from these top athletes. And let's share their secrets! Success is all about proper preparation, and by making Weetabix, part of this you can have a little bit of help to take on whatever the day brings**. And, just like that, we can all help Britain chase its ambitions Bix by Bix. Buy to send a FREE 24-pack of Weetabix* and give a great start to someone's day Give a great start to someone's day: Send a FREE pack of Weetabix Have you had your Weetabix? Feels amazing, doesn't it? Now you can do your bit to help rebuild Britain Bix by Bix by gifting a free 24-pack of Weetabix to a friend or relative who could benefit from an extra boost during a busy week. This could be anyone, from a friend who's training for a marathon to a parent wanting to feel energetic ahead of the school holidays. All you need to do is buy a Weetabix 48 or 24-pack and scan the QR code on display. This will then allow you to choose who you want to send a free 24-pack. Whoever it is, they'll be sure to thank you! *Weetabix 48 pack or 24 pack, scan the QR code on the display or visit to enter. **Weetabix is a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, folic acid which contributes to normal psychological function as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Weetabix is a good source of Iron which contributes to normal cognitive function as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Weetabix is a good source of Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid and Iron which contribute to reduction of tiredness and fatigue as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
CNA
29-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Trans women find safe space in London soccer club after UK gender ruling
LONDON :For the transgender players at London's Goal Diggers FC, the landmark UK court ruling that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex has left the soccer team questioning who they can play against, and where. Last month's Supreme Court statement that only biological and not trans women met the definition of a woman under equality laws has implications for workplaces, hospitals, prisons, schools, associations, and sports teams. The country's equality watchdog will issue new guidelines shortly, but its interim guidance has stated that transgender people should be banned from using facilities, including toilets and changing rooms, of the gender they live as. Goal Diggers was founded in 2015 with the aim of making football more accessible to all women and non-binary people, regardless of experience or ability. It says it has already quit one league that is aligned with the English Football Association, which will ban transgender women from women's soccer from June 1, and says it will quit any other league that follows the rules. "They can stand by the FA but we will stand by our trans members," club founder Fleur Cousens told Reuters. "We'll work towards creating more (inclusive) spaces as a result." The FA said on May 1 it was contacting registered transgender women playing soccer to explain the changes and how they could continue to stay involved in the game, without giving details. Transgender rights have become a highly political issue in Britain and elsewhere. Some critics say the conservative right has weaponised identity politics to attack minority groups, while others argue that liberal support for transgender people has infringed on the rights of biological women. Different countries have taken different approaches when it comes to sport - U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to exclude transgender girls and women from female sports - and lawyers and campaigners disagree over the UK ruling. Jane Sullivan, sports coordinator at the Women's Rights Network lobby group, welcomed the ruling. She argues that transgender women could have a physical advantage having been born male, and that single sex spaces should be observed. She said her organisation would be watching those which did not comply with the new rules. Seema Patel, a sports law expert at Nottingham Law School, said the FA ban had been "premature" in acting before the equalities watchdog issued its full guidance, and said there should be distinct approaches to amateur and elite sport. Sammy Rees, a 26-year-old transgender woman who plays for the inclusive London club along with other LGBTQ+ people, said the intense focus brought on transgender people by the ruling had been difficult. "I've been more judgmental of myself, more critical ... thinking (more) about how other people would view me in a negative light," Rees said. "It definitely takes its toll," she said, adding that she still hoped it was all "just a bad dream".
Reuters
29-05-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Trans women find safe space in London soccer club after UK gender ruling
LONDON, May 29 (Reuters) - For the transgender players at London's Goal Diggers FC, the landmark UK court ruling that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex has left the soccer team questioning who they can play against, and where. Last month's Supreme Court statement that only biological and not trans women met the definition of a woman under equality laws has implications for workplaces, hospitals, prisons, schools, associations, and sports teams. The country's equality watchdog will issue new guidelines shortly, but its interim guidance, opens new tab has stated that transgender people should be banned from using facilities, including toilets and changing rooms, of the gender they live as. Goal Diggers was founded in 2015 with the aim of making football more accessible to all women and non-binary people, regardless of experience or ability. It says it has already quit one league that is aligned with the English Football Association, which will ban transgender women from women's soccer from June 1, and says it will quit any other league that follows the rules. "They can stand by the FA but we will stand by our trans members," club founder Fleur Cousens told Reuters. "We'll work towards creating more (inclusive) spaces as a result." The FA said on May 1 it was contacting registered transgender women playing soccer to explain the changes and how they could continue to stay involved in the game, without giving details. Transgender rights have become a highly political issue in Britain and elsewhere. Some critics say the conservative right has weaponised identity politics to attack minority groups, while others argue that liberal support for transgender people has infringed on the rights of biological women. Different countries have taken different approaches when it comes to sport - U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to exclude transgender girls and women from female sports - and lawyers and campaigners disagree over the UK ruling. Jane Sullivan, sports coordinator at the Women's Rights Network lobby group, welcomed the ruling. She argues that transgender women could have a physical advantage having been born male, and that single sex spaces should be observed. She said her organisation would be watching those which did not comply with the new rules. Seema Patel, a sports law expert at Nottingham Law School, said the FA ban had been "premature" in acting before the equalities watchdog issued its full guidance, and said there should be distinct approaches to amateur and elite sport. Sammy Rees, a 26-year-old transgender woman who plays for the inclusive London club along with other LGBTQ+ people, said the intense focus brought on transgender people by the ruling had been difficult. "I've been more judgmental of myself, more critical ... thinking (more) about how other people would view me in a negative light," Rees said. "It definitely takes its toll," she said, adding that she still hoped it was all "just a bad dream".
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Trans women find safe space in London soccer club after UK gender ruling
* 'We will stand by our trans members,' club says * Supreme Court ruling has impact on workplaces, groups and teams * Equality watchdog due to issue new guidelines LONDON, - For the transgender players at London's Goal Diggers FC, the landmark UK court ruling that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex has left the soccer team questioning who they can play against, and where. Last month's Supreme Court statement that only biological and not trans women met the definition of a woman under equality laws has implications for workplaces, hospitals, prisons, schools, associations, and sports teams. The country's equality watchdog will issue new guidelines shortly, but its interim guidance has stated that transgender people should be banned from using facilities, including toilets and changing rooms, of the gender they live as. Goal Diggers was founded in 2015 with the aim of making football more accessible to all women and non-binary people, regardless of experience or ability. It says it has already quit one league that is aligned with the English Football Association, which will ban transgender women from women's soccer from June 1, and says it will quit any other league that follows the rules. "They can stand by the FA but we will stand by our trans members," club founder Fleur Cousens told Reuters. "We'll work towards creating more spaces as a result." The FA said on May 1 it was contacting registered transgender women playing soccer to explain the changes and how they could continue to stay involved in the game, without giving details. Transgender rights have become a highly political issue in Britain and elsewhere. Some critics say the conservative right has weaponised identity politics to attack minority groups, while others argue that liberal support for transgender people has infringed on the rights of biological women. Different countries have taken different approaches when it comes to sport - U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to exclude transgender girls and women from female sports - and lawyers and campaigners disagree over the UK ruling. Jane Sullivan, sports coordinator at the Women's Rights Network lobby group, welcomed the ruling. She argues that transgender women could have a physical advantage having been born male, and that single sex spaces should be observed. She said her organisation would be watching those which did not comply with the new rules. Seema Patel, a sports law expert at Nottingham Law School, said the FA ban had been "premature" in acting before the equalities watchdog issued its full guidance, and said there should be distinct approaches to amateur and elite sport. Sammy Rees, a 26-year-old transgender woman who plays for the inclusive London club along with other LGBTQ people, said the intense focus brought on transgender people by the ruling had been difficult. "I've been more judgmental of myself, more critical ... thinking about how other people would view me in a negative light," Rees said. "It definitely takes its toll," she said, adding that she still hoped it was all "just a bad dream".
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Grassroots footballers protest FA's ban on transgender women: ‘We are determined to keep going'
'Every step we're taking to Wembley, we're showing that even though they might be trying to pull us back, we're moving forward in a way that's united and centring on the joy of football,' Fleur Cousens said, 'and at the core of that is trans joy.' Cousens, the founder of Goal Diggers, a grassroots football club in London, was one of more than 100 people who marched on Monday to protest the Football Association's incoming ban on transgender women playing women's football. Starting from Goal Diggers' training ground in the east of the capital, they made their way to the home of English football to deliver an open letter to the governing body. Advertisement Influenced by the supreme ccourt's ruling on April 16, when the UK's highest court decided that the legal definition of a woman would be based on biological sex, the FA amended its inclusion policy to exclude all transgender women from women's football from June 1, falling in line with other major sports in the UK. But Cousens and Goal Diggers are demanding that the FA's decision be reversed. 'I wanted to put the 'all' back in football,' Cousens told , on mile nine of the 12-mile sponsored walk, which had raised almost £10,000 ($13, 393 at current conversion rates) at the time of publication. Cousens founded Goal Diggers in 2015 with inclusivity at its core. The Hackney-based club, which welcomes non-binary and transgender players, wrote an open letter to the FA with more than 1,600 supporting signatures, within it calling the Supreme Court's decision a 'stain on the country's reputation'. Advertisement Team members from Goal Diggers and other London clubs had gathered in Haggerston Park and walked to Wembley Stadium, where the FA's offices are located, to deliver their message in person. Cousens said if the FA did not overturn its decision, the club would pull out of any FA-affiliated leagues. 'We don't want to be in any leagues under an umbrella like the FA, which is showing exactly what you should not be doing when it comes to inclusion. It's terrible for so many reasons. It's disgraceful that such a massive decision has been made without talking to the people in the communities that have a lived experience of being in a world that is trans-inclusive,' Cousens said. 'What will happen is so many teams will stop being affiliated with any FA league and just start a different footballing world – one that is better.' Advertisement In 1921, the FA banned women from playing football, deeming it 'quite unsuitable'. The ban was in place for 50 years, and the women's game has been playing catch-up ever since. 'We're here now in 2025 and they've made another ban,' Cousens said. 'But we will play for the love of the game, we are determined to keep going.' Becky Taylor-Gill, the walk's organiser, said: 'I feel hopeful today and I don't think that hope comes from the FA. That hope comes from the community around us. We had an email from (FA chief executive) Mark Bullingham this morning (Monday) saying he understands our feelings about this, he understands how disappointed our players will be, but he didn't offer any concrete guidance of what will happen next and whether they will overturn it. And so our message stays the same, we want it overturned.' Sammy Rees, a 26-year-old transgender woman, joined Goal Diggers last year and said that five minutes into her first training session, she felt a community's arms wrap around her. At Goal Diggers, where six club members are trans, the doors are firmly open. Advertisement 'I spent some time playing men's football. But it really wasn't my bag,' Rees said. 'I felt very uncomfortable and it was not the nicest environment for me. Then I joined Goal Diggers and I've never looked back. It's changed my life completely. These people have such open hearts. 'Since coming out, football has been my escape. We (trans people) wake up every day to more disgusting news about us: people vilifying us, people questioning our identity and our existence. Football means that for two or three hours a week, I can switch my brain off. I can have a moment where I don't care about the news. It's my escape, and the fact that it's trying to be taken away from us is not fair.' Rees said she found the supreme court ruling, which is expected to shape UK social policymaking on issues such as public changing rooms and women-only spaces, devastating. In their ruling, the judges stated they were not commenting more broadly on whether trans women are women, adding that it was not the role of the court to adjudicate on the meaning of gender or sex. When announcing the ruling, Lord Hodge stated it should not be taken as a triumph for one group in society. Advertisement On April 11, the FA updated its policy around transgender athletes, introducing stricter eligibility criteria for transgender women and non-binary players in the women's game. A few weeks later, on May 1, the FA again changed its inclusion policy, saying in a statement: 'Our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football then we would review it and change it if necessary.' The statement added: 'We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify, and we are contacting the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.' 'It's quite hard to quantify how painful the news has been,' Rees said. 'It's like everything we've worked hard for has been pulled from us. We cried it out as a group (on Thursday). I've had so much solidarity from the team. We're trying to make a point that we're not going anywhere. We're here, we're going to keep playing football, nothing's going to stop that. The FA doesn't own football. You can't stop us.' Advertisement The past decade has seen 72 transgender footballers take part in grassroots games. Around 20 transgender players playing at the grassroots level of the game are thought to be affected by the new policy. To put that number into context, almost 5.5million women and girls are registered to play football in England. 'There are so many more issues in football we could focus on rather than a group of people who are just trying to get by, trying to do what they enjoy,' Rees said. Paula Griffin, a 60-year-old transgender woman who plays for Goal Diggers, as well as Clapton Community FC, said she was 'stunned and heartbroken' by the FA's May 1 announcement. 'I did a lot of crying. Football was something that's been so good. Something I've loved has been taken away from me. I've been told I can't play football with my friends.' 'It's just so devastating to see how it is affecting people like Paula,' Ally Walker, a player for Collective Joy FC, said. 'The FA are regressing. They're going back on all the progress they've been trying to put forward for the women's game over the last few years. They are throwing all that away by banning women who want to play.' Advertisement As the group arrived in clusters at Wembley Stadium's steps, Sweet Caroline, the Neil Diamond song adored by England fans, played out on speakers, the mood defiant and positive. Even after 30,000 steps across London, the group's energy was ceaseless. Written onto concrete in chalk were statements like, 'Let the dolls play,' and, 'I love my trans team-mates.' Goal Diggers said they would not stop fighting for trans inclusion in women's football. Many hope there will be more public messages of support from the top end of the women's game. Kerstin Casparij kissed a trans flag on her wrist last month after scoring for Manchester City and her team-mate Katie Startup told The Observer that transgender women 'should have the right and opportunity to access and feel safe in football'. But barring those displays of solidarity, public support from Women's Super League players has been relatively quiet. Advertisement 'Women's football is such a friendly, queer space,' Taylor-Gill added. 'I would really hope that extends to our trans team-mates in grassroots football. It would be really, really powerful to see some more WSL players stand up for that.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Soccer, UK Women's Football 2025 The Athletic Media Company
