Latest news with #LauraHoward
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-England international relishes seeing better representation for young girls in football
By Laura Howard, Sportsbeat Former England international Carly Telford loves hearing young girls talk about female role models in football having grown-up with only men visible at elite level in sport. Telford, from County Durham, achieved 27 caps in an England shirt and appeared in three FA Cup finals with Leeds United, Chelsea and Notts County. Advertisement She lacked visible representation during her youth but since taking on her post-playing role working at Chelsea Women as a Commercial Manager, she can see new opportunities for young girls. 'I basically didn't have any female role models until I was a lot older,' she said. 'If I was asked that question as a youngster, I would have said David Beckham or David Ginola. 'I was in a school last week, and we were doing the trophy tour for the FA Cup. I sat down next to a group of girls, and I said, 'Oh, who are your role models?' and they said Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, Lauren James and that is just so normal for them. Advertisement 'To see them writing their names down, wishing them good luck, it's just so inspiring for them to be like, I see myself in her, or I want to be like her one day.' A study by Sure in 2024 found that 58% of girls say that having a female role model strengthens their passion for football. Telford, who was part of a panel discussing the issue at Stamford Bridge this week, has been able to become the role model for others that she never had, spending eight years at WSL heavyweights Chelsea during her career. 'It's mad. I sometimes forget it, until someone's like, 'Can you sign my T-shirt? Can you sign my boot?','' she said. Advertisement 'It's almost like a responsibility as well in the best kind of way. I didn't want to be a footballer for any other reason, I just loved it. I genuinely do. If you ask most of the girls who play the game, it's all for the love of it. 'The responsibility that comes with that is to always turn up as who you are, because there's always going to be a young girl, a group of girls that will be like, 'Oh, I sound like her, I look like her, I play the position she does.' 'Not all of us have a smooth journey. Just because when you get to the top, it looks like it's all great, and Instagram and TikTok can make it look all fun, actually it's a difficult role. 'There's a lot of rejection, sometimes confidence is low, you're not selected. There's a lot of things that you have to deal with but that also helps you prepare for life outside.' Advertisement For Telford, that authenticity is key in allowing girls to connect with players and create role models who speak to wider aspects of life beyond elite football. 'Role models should allow girls to aspire to be Lionesses and want to be the best of the best, but also empower them to feel confident, to feel like they can do it, and that gives them life skills in the longer term as well,' she added. Visibility plays a vital role in inspiring young girls in sports, but it alone isn't enough. Increased visibility needs to be paired with real world grassroots investment – like Sure's Breaking Limits Programme – find out more here
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Making of Zander Fagerson
By Laura Howard As Zander Fagerson waited to hear if he had made the cut for The British & Irish Lions squad, son Hamish reassured the Scottish prop that he would love him either way. But red is the colour of love and for Fagerson there was only one outcome that would have left him truly content as he chased a second call-up to represent a jersey of the same colour. When confirmation came, it was a feeling that proved even sweeter the second time round for the Glasgow Warriors stalwart and he will travel with unfinished business, having not made a Test start in South Africa. The 29-year-old burst onto the rugby scene in 2014 with a statement debut against Benetton Treviso and has continued his rise ever since, accruing 75 international appearances to become Scotland's most capped prop ever. It was a trajectory that earned a call-up to the 2021 Lions squad and he played four times in the Rainbow Nation on a Tour that only left him hungrier for more. IT WASN'T ALWAYS RUGBY If Andy Farrell wanted to ensure his team were all singing from the same hymn sheet, then he has picked the right man in Fagerson. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glasgow Warriors (@glasgowwarriors) The tighthead prop, who hails from Perth, was a member of the National Boys Choir of Scotland in 2008, a skill he found not entirely redundant in rugby. Fagerson admitted he 'had a few numbers to choose from' for his initiation song prior to a first international call-up, as his teammates looked forward to a rendition unusually kind on the ears. But where there had been music sheets, there were soon dirt tracks as a 14-year-old Fagerson raced to the Scottish Youth Downhill Mountain Bike Championship title in 2010. Had his gran had her way, Fagerson would have stayed on two wheels but despite also squeezing in a lifeguard qualification along the way, it was rugby that would win his full attention. The decision was ultimately unsurprising with the question of nature versus nurture procuring the same answer for the Scot. His paternal Swedish connections saw him carry the traits of a rugby player in his name since birth, his middle name Ragnar literally means 'warrior', while he grew up spending weekends watching the game. 'I'd come back from rugby on a Saturday morning and then we'd have it on for three days. Mum would be furious because we'd sit in front of the TV watching rugby all day,' he said. A BAPTISM OF FIRE Fagerson's zealous approach to the game led to notable early success as a prop, while also earning him the nickname of 'Zandbags'. Having impressed with Glasgow Hawks and in the Warriors A team, he was handed a call-up to Glasgow Warriors away in Italy at Benetton Treviso. Sat on the bench with his side reduced to 13 men by two yellow cards, it would have been understandable to see an 18-year-old shrink in the circumstances but Fagerson stood up and stepped up. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cahonas Paul (@checkonetwopodcast) His second-half entry into the front row helped Warriors hold on to a 40-23 away win, as coach Gregor Townsend hailed his contribution 'outstanding'. It was a statement of intent that Fagerson backed up as he became the youngest player to reach 50 caps for Glasgow Warriors at just 21 years old - no mean feat for a prop. Though he now has 162 appearances under his belt, becoming just the 15th player to reach the 150 milestone for the Scottish side, that trajectory was not always clear. "There was a point in my career when I thought I wasn't getting a look in," Fagerson told BBC Sport after his Warriors debut. "I was in a terrible place and was depressed and not happy at all. My mum said, 'Why are you depressed? You're giving in; you're letting the people that put you down win'. "So I strive by proving people wrong. If you work hard, change your lifestyle and get determined, they've got nothing to come back at you with.' And, just as on that fateful day in northern Italy, Fagerson has continued to show exactly why he must not be overlooked. SCOTLAND AND LIONS COME CALLING Fagerson's meteoric rise meant a call from the Scotland head coach was only a matter of time after bursting onto the scene in Italy. Scott Cummings, Zander Fagerson, Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu react to being named in the British and Irish Lions squad 🦁 — Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) May 9, 2025 Having represented in the blue shirt at under-16, under-18 and under-20 level he got the nod for the senior squad at the 2016 Six Nations, entering the field as a replacement against England at Murrayfield. His club form at Warriors, that saw him reach the Guinness PRO14 semi-finals in 2018 and the final in 2019, kept his spot in the Scotland squad secure as he earnt a place in Townsend's 2019 World Cup squad. Three appearances in Japan and further standout displays domestically booked Fagerson a plane ticket to South Africa for his first Lions Tour, though Covid-19 injury dampened the full magic of the occasion. Having been due to start in a send-off match against Japan at Murrayfield a back spasm put paid to that ambition, while Tadhg Furlong and Kyle Sinckler played each of rhe Test matches. 'I feel like I didn't really give a great account of myself. I went into it in great shape. Then I had a little bit of a niggle with that back spasm,' Fagerson reflected. 'I always felt, what if? There were so many good players on that tour as well. I just supported the boys wherever I could. 'The sea of red is one of the key parts of a Lions series. It's going to be absolutely incredible to experience that for the first time with the full-capacity stadiums. 'We had a sneak peek at Murrayfield [in 2021]. That was restricted numbers and everyone was spaced out. I couldn't play that day. I was absolutely torn up about it.' A FAMILY AFFAIR Zander is not the only Fagerson to make an impact in the rugby world with younger brother Matt also representing Warriors and Scotland. When Matt made his debut in blue in 2018, they became the 48th set of brothers to represent Scotland but must now accompany each other in the treatment room. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zander Fagerson (@zanderfagerson) Fagerson is facing a race to be back to full fitness after suffering a calf injury in training and will join his brother on trips to the physio as Matt recovers from ankle ligament damage. 'I feel for the physios with two Fagersons in the physio department. He's working really hard to come back as soon as he can,' said Fagerson, following his selection. 'There are so many good players just now playing so well. To be picked is even more special and it gives me a bit of fire in the belly to make sure I do all I can to get back quicker. 'No more cheat meals for me! Will I play for Glasgow again this season? I can't say yes or no.' And the trip to Australia will not only be more special for the presence of crowds, but who will be in them. The Fagerson clan strengthened in number in February 2025 during what has been a year of highs for the tighthead prop with the arrival of twins Fia and Hector. It makes the second call-up all the more sweet for Fagerson who will aim to run out in red in front of the twins, and more experienced Fagerson squad members Hamish, Iona and wife Yasmin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zander Fagerson (@zanderfagerson) 'Is it as special to be selected a second time? Yeah, even more so. To have friends and family and all the fans back in the stands will be absolutely incredible. We're looking forward to that aspect of it too,' he said. 'I think I'll probably be on Skyscanner [looking for flights for the family] and the price is going to make me wince! 'I have four kids so we'll see. We'll go home and make a plan. My hand will be forced, I suspect.'
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sonia Bompastor believes Chelsea quadruple is possible after Subway League Cup victory
By Laura Howard at Pride Park Sonia Bompastor believes her Chelsea side have the quality to do the quadruple after they beat Manchester City to win the Subway Women's League Cup. The Blues triumphed 2-1 at Pride Park through a Mayra Ramirez opener and Yui Hasegawa own goal to seal Bompastor's first trophy as Chelsea boss. The victory kept hopes of a quadruple alive, with Chelsea undefeated in all competitions this season. They play Manchester City a further three times in the next 12 days in the Champions League and Barclays Women's Super League and Bompastor is backing her side to go all the way, with her side also in the semi finals of the Adobe Women's FA Cup. 'We have a lot of quality,' she responded. 'But, again, when you reflect on the game, the other teams also have a lot of quality. 'It was tough today, but I think our mentality is the right one. We work really hard. Every time we step on the pitch, we just put our heart on the pitch, which is the right thing to do. 'There's fine margins and also small details going into these games, so sometimes it goes the way you want, sometimes not. 'Hopefully, for the next games, we'll have the game going where we want.' 🏆 @ChelseaFCW ARE THE 2025 #SubwayWLC WINNERS! 🏆 — Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) March 15, 2025 For the rest of Saturday, Bompastor can savour a hard-fought victory in front of 14,187 fans at Pride Park in Derby. It is the first tangible reward the French manager has for what has so far proved a stellar first season in west London. 'It feels great. I'm really happy. I just said before the game, the most important thing is that we bring a trophy to the club,' she reflected. 'From the beginning of the season, we said we are really ambitious. When we have the opportunity to win the first title, that's always really positive. I'm really happy for that reason, but also really proud of my players.' Yet while there was jubilation at the final whistle, Bompastor still feels there is room for improvement for her side who saw Ramirez and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd squander two brilliant chances that would have made the victory far more comfortable. 'The performance was maybe not a great one. But again, we found a way to win the game,' she said. 'I know this team has more than what we showed today. 'My first experience as a coach was head of the academy and the main thing there was to make sure the performance was the priority. 'When you play with these big clubs and with the first teams, your job as a manager is to make sure you win the games. That's the most important thing. 'I would love to have both. I would be the happiest person. But when it's not possible and when you have room for improvement, the one thing I would pick is winning.' Golden Girls. 🏅 — Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 15, 2025 It is reflective of the mentality that has powered Chelsea eight points clear in the league and makes them favourites to progress from their Champions League quarter final tie with City. Their opponents were facing their first game under the charge of Nick Cushing following the dismissal of Gareth Taylor earlier in the week. It was far from a concerning display for the Citizens but they lacked a clinical edge and only forced Chelsea out of a state of cruise control in the moments following their equaliser. For Cushing, however, there were positive signs which he feels he can build on ahead of a further three meetings with the newly-crowned League Cup champions. 'We did enough to win the game today. We had many, many moments and I was proud of that,' he said. 'You could see some slight adjustments in the way that we want to play and that made us more of a threat. 'We have real belief that we could get back into the game after we were 1-0 down. We had a huge chance. I think these finals always swing on moments. 'Obviously the moment fell to Chelsea and we didn't get back in at 2-1. I've seen enough to know that we can be competitive in the next three games.'
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
Can you spot a credit card skimmer? What to look for
(NEXSTAR) – Officials in Massachusetts and Kansas are currently investigating the theft of residents' financial information via the use of card skimming machines, which are designed to mimic the appearance of legitimate credit card readers. In Massachusetts, police have recently identified such skimming machines at four locations of a local supermarket chain, sometimes finding skimming machines installed at multiple registers in a single location. In Kansas, the Department of Children and Families is investigating a similar rash of crimes targeting families using EBT (electronic benefits transfer) cards in the Kansas City area. Collectively, the department believes that more than $38,000 worth of benefits had been stolen from 162 cardholders through the use of the illegal devices. 'It's disheartening that there are people preying on some of the most vulnerable Kansans — children and the elderly — and are stealing the money they depend on to put food on their tables,' Laura Howard, the department's secretary, said. BBB warns of scammers offering stimulus checks while impersonating IRS The FBI, too, had recently tracked a rash of skimming thefts with ties to an organized crime ring based in Romania, which had been targeting ATMs and EBT recipients in the United States. Five members of this crime ring were arrested and charged as a result of this investigation, the FBI announced on Feb. 14. Skimming scams are targeted at people using ATMs, gas pumps, or credit card readers at retail outlets, the FBI says. The scammers carefully craft devices that look like legitimate card readers, which they then attempt to blend in with the actual ATMs or point-of-sale (POS) interfaces, according to the FBI. 'POS skimming devices, such as those capturing EBT card data, are generally designed as overlays to the POS terminal and have wireless transmission capabilities. These may be present in any market, convenience store, or retailer,' the FBI writes. Once a victim swipes their credit card, the skimming device either stores or sends the victim's information for the criminals to retrieve. Scammers have also been known to use hidden cameras to record victims entering their PIN numbers into ATM machines, the FBI said. Some thieves also create fake numerical keypads that record the keystrokes of users, to steal such passwords. ATM skimming, specifically, is also a 'growing criminal activity,' the FBI warns. Before putting your card into a reader, the FBI says there are some easy and effective ways to protect your information. Be sure to inspect the reader and look for any loose parts or damage. Scratches or damage to adhesive tape can also be indicators that it has been tampered with. If you give the skimmer a light shake and it feels loose, tell an employee. To prevent cameras from capturing your passwords, the FBI recommends users cover the keypad with one hand, while punching in the PIN with the other. After similar crimes were detected at businesses in Concord, New Hampshire, in 2023, local police further warned that some scammers will try to force victims to swipe their card at the phony reader (rather than allow them to the card's chip, which is harder to steal information from) by blocking the chip slot, making that part of the reader appear 'jammed.' And at gas pumps, the Federal Trade Commission offers tips for spotting signs of skimming, including broken security seals over the cabinet panel, or card readers that appear loose or different from ones at adjacent pumps. Customers who want to be extra cautious can also pay in cash rather than use a card, or at least refrain from using the debit option to avoid having to enter a PIN, the FTC suggests. US cities largely saw a drop in violent crime in 2024, yet many still feel unsafe If a customer feels they've been the victim of a skimming scam, it's best for them to contact the credit card company or bank that issued the card, the FBI says. Local law enforcement agencies should also be made aware of possible scams. As for the skimming devices found in Massachusetts and Kansas, authorities are warning anyone who used their cards at those businesses to monitor their financial activity and report any purchases that seem suspicious. In Kansas, the Department of Children and Families suggested that EBT cardholders change their PIN numbers, and even 'freeze' their cards until it's time to make purchases. Hannah Cotter and Elizabeth Turley of Nexstar's WPRI and Nick DeGray of Nexstar's WWLP contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas families can now apply for summer grocery assistance
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Applications are now being accepted for Kansas families to receive grocery benefits this summer. The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced the application period for SUN Bucks this summer is now open on Monday, Jan. 27. SUN Bucks, previously known as Summer EBT, is a $120 one-time benefit available for school-aged kids in the Sunflower State to help pay for groceries during the summer months. SUN Bucks works alongside the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan to determine how much money kids can receive each year. 'Children and teenagers need consistent access to healthy foods to grow and thrive, and summer is a time when many of them lose access to the healthy meals they receive at school,' said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. 'SUN Bucks can help fill the gap by providing families a small boost with helping to put nutritious food on their tables.' Shawnee County officials warn residents of a recent theft at the courthouse Households in Kansas that have children from the ages of seven to 17-years-old that receive Food Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) at any point since July 2024 are eligible for the program, according to DCF. Other ways students can be eligible are by being enrolled in a Kansas school and being approved for free or reduced-price school lunch since July 2024 or be in the custody of the DCF secretary. For more eligibility information, click here. Some families will automatically get SUN Bucks, while others need to apply. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 29 and benefits will start being issued in April 2025. To apply for SUN Bucks, click here. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
