The watershed moment for women’s football appeared to have already happened by 2011.
Participation was on the rise. Matches were on television. Movies such as Bend It Like Beckham had put female footballers on the big screen. The top tier in England was even being revamped as the ‘Women’s Super League’ – marking an exciting new chapter for the domestic game. It felt like Britain was readily embracing women’s football again.
But then, in January 2011, Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray were caught live on air scoffing at the very idea of a female comprehending the offside rule.
The leaked audio – in which Keys and Gray agreed the “game had gone mad” for including women as officials – was widely condemned, culminating in their departures. The pair protested that the comments had been taken out of context, but admitted it looked bad. If two of the most respected personnel in football punditry weren’t willing to take women’s opinions seriously, there was little hope for others.
Perhaps women’s football had a bit further to go after all.
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In the ten years since that infamous sexism row that rocked English football, more than a few things have changed. The number of female officials in English football has risen by 72%. Viewership is higher than ever before (with the latest women’s world cup enticing a global audience of 1 billion spectators in total according to FIFA). Women pundits occupy seats on mainstream analysis shows including Sky Sports – with female stars also enjoying better coverage from their own clubs and in the wider media.
More women have voices in football than they have in over a century. And part of the reason for that progress is down to the people fighting for change at grassroots level: Companies like the one based at Manchester’s old Granada Studios called Miss Kick.
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Grace Vella
Founded by a University of Manchester student who wanted to give the women’s game another nudge in the right direction, Miss Kick has evolved from just another sports logo into a badge of honour for all female footballers in Britain.
The company sells sports gear and accessories that are specially-designed for females – but is quickly morphing from a clothing store into a tight-knit women’s football community with thousands of members.
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Owner Grace Vella was balancing her psychology degree with her sports career when she set up Miss Kick in 2017; scribbling revision notes in the back of a car en route to business expos.
Between training and studying she barely had time to lace up her boots, never mind run a business. But Grace persevered – feeling like it was something she had to do.
Around this time, women’s football was spreading into more places and enjoying another resurgence. But it needed something to keep it connected – a place in which all female players and ambassadors could unite under a single umbrella and push the game into exciting new territory together.
That was the vision for Miss Kick.
Grace had grown up knowing her future lay in football – playing regularly with her brother and cousins as a kid before signing a dream deal at Liverpool aged just 13. She moved to Man City four years later and had a spell at Chorley, but despite her successes in football, Grace was left frustrated at the sight of boys being carried up the pyramid whilst she was forced to navigate all the hurdles herself.
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“I used to think – ‘If I was a boy I’d get all my allowances paid, my travel, my kit, and get football boot sponsorships,’” Grace tells us.
“Girls always have to pay for that stuff.”
“Growing up I was always given a boys’ kit to train in and felt like I had fewer opportunities just because I was a girl.
“I thought: ‘I want to change that. I want to change the way society sees womens’ sport.’”
In her third year at university, Grace got the brainwave for Miss Kick – the UK’s first all-female football brand – and immediately headed out to expos across the north to spread the word.
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The company has continued to grow ever since – with Grace’s old uni housemate Katie signing on in September and the latest recruit, Yasmin, recently joining as a Digital Executive.
Despite its relative youth, it’s clear Miss Kick has struck a chord.
“I’ve got quite a few professional players and friends in the game – and I knew there wasn’t really a brand out there for girls,” Grace tells us.
“So I thought: Why not give it a go?
“My dad organises one of the biggest girls’ football tournaments in the country, so I thought I’d turn up with my little tent and it went down really well!
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“Football has always been seen stereotypically, with boys put first with better treatment.
“I quickly realised that there were so many other girls in sport who felt the same way and have gone through the same experiences as me; whether that’s being bullied for liking football or picked last in the team.
“Our message – that anyone should be able to play football – has resonated with people.”
Women’s football is not so much a new trend as a rekindling of a long-dormant passion.
But the game quickly fell into disrepute in 1921 after the FA deemed football “quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged”. It took fifty years for the ban to be lifted. And another forty years passed before the official formation of the Women’s Super League. But throughout the century, women continued to play – even if it meant flying in the face of convention and ill-founded assumptions that females didn’t have the technical ability or knowhow.
Slowly but surely, women’s football has gained a new foothold. But there remains a strong element of stigma nonetheless – particularly when the men and women’s games crossover.
Jeff Stelling, another football figurehead at Sky Sports, has admitted it’s still tough for women to appear on his Gillette Soccer Saturday results show, calling the social media response ‘horrendous’ at times.
He told The Guardian: “There’s this blinkered idea – ‘It’s a woman, what can she know about football?’
“Twenty years ago I was also sceptical. But my view has changed and obviously we’ve had very good reporters like Michelle Owen, Bianca Westwood and Jacqui Oatley. They’re really experienced.
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“There’s no reason why women shouldn’t feature more.”
Another part of Miss Kick’s mission is about retaining this mindset and sense of momentum in the women’s game that’s empowering the people who play. A love for football isn’t something that girls have to hide anymore; and Grace believes the Miss Kick brand acts like a “hero cape” they can proudly carry through life.
“The growth of the womens’ game has been incredible,” Grace says.
“They’ve professionalised the WSL now. When I was growing up you couldn’t be a pro. You had to juggle it with something else. Now you can go and make a living from it – which I think is huge.
“We’re doing much better – but I still feel there is stigma. You do still see trolls picking on people.”
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“The leagues below the WSL need more finance and support – and there’s a big gap from the top league to the bottom.
“There is a bit of reluctance for investment because women’s football won’t develop a return straight away. But there’s no reason [the game] can’t be like it is in America where it’s really popular.
“In general, I think the womens’ game needs more opportunities to grow – and more needs to be done to challenge perceptions.
“That’s what we’re trying to do.”
It’s been a thrilling period for Miss Kick, but COVID has caused its fair share of complications – which is unsurprising for a sports brand that primarily deals with people face-to-face. Nonetheless, instead of standing still, Miss Kick is using the opportunity to evolve its offering and expand its membership base online in the meantime.
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“We’re not just a clothing brand – we’re a community,” Grace emphasises.
“We want to become a place that shares womens’ content and news; moving into digital space and creating a movement rather than just being a logo on a t-shirt.
“We want to inspire across generations and inspire as many women and girls as possible – including the young stars coming through.”
“We’re in talks about partnering with clubs, too.”
The future for female footballers looks brighter than ever now. But the game will still need to evade some lunging challenges in the years ahead.
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Grace thinks female football is ready for it. Miss Kick definitely is.
“Growing up being a girl in football you do develop tough skin,” says Grace.
“That’s spilled out into my business career. People underestimate you in both worlds.
“You almost shock them sometimes when it’s clear you know what you’re talking about.
“I almost use it to my advantage to prove people wrong – in sport and in business.”
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“It’s hard work, don’t get me wrong.”
“But running Miss Kick, I feel like the luckiest person in the world sometimes.”Learn more about Miss Kickonline.
Feature
Could the reaction to Casemiro’s swansong Man United season see him stay ‘one more year’?
Danny Jones
Casemiro has arguably been up there with one of the best Manchester United signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, after the likes of Bruno Fernandes; maybe not in terms of how it’s impacted the wider transfer budget, but now he’s about to leave, most supporters aren’t ready to let him go.
Truly, if they had their way, many would happily keep him for at least “one more year”, as they continuously chanted during the most recent home game.
However, with the footballing veteran himself admitting that he’s been left moved by the response and certainly basked in the chants for him to stay following the win over Aston Villa last weekend, another one in which he chipped in with a key goal.
Casemiro scored the opener in what went on to be a vital 3-1 win in their pursuit of Champions League places, and has made it clear that, like the rest of the squad, this is his only goal for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
But with United now looking closer to securing third or perhaps even chasing down second place, according to many (some have even gone further than that…), this current, albeit still early doors, resurgence under Michael Carrick could be the start of a corner turned for the one serial winners.
However, fans have seen many false dawns at Old Trafford over the past decade or so, and there is obviously the risk of him ultimately spoiling what should now be a fine and fitting farewell.
Then again, after speaking in a recent interview with Sky Sports, the 34-year-old said it’s been “way more” special than he was expecting since he revealed his plans to leave on a high, and stranger things have happened.
You only have to look at Mohammed Salah and Liverpool, who looked all set to go before eventually U-turning and signing a new deal – though contract terms no doubt helped swing those negotiations.
As one of the highest-earning players not just at Man United or even the Premier League but in Europe, he’s already earned serious amounts during his time with the Red Devils, so there is a belief that the incumbent INEOS board would be happy to shift him off the books and reinvest in replacing him.
#mufc are in advanced talks to sign Bruno Guimaraes for around €80m, but renewed interest from Real Madrid threatens to complicate the proposed move [@Reuters, @fernandokallas]
The likes of Guimaraes, previously courted Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Wolves duo André and Joao Gomes have all been linked with possible moves to Manchester of late.
In fact, depending on how much room Jim Ratcliffe and co. have for spending on recruitment, they could potentially even cover the wages of more than one signing in the middle of the park or other positions that they feel may require further reinforcements.
All this is still very much in theory, of course, and while Casemiro has seemingly confirmed that he will depart this summer, who knows how much of the recent reaction and outpouring of love and support from the Stretford End and beyond could potentially sway the outcome?…
Then again, do you think reconsidering the decision would be a wise move, or at his age, is four years in the English top flight enough?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot)/Ardfern (via Wikimedia Commons)
Feature
The best beer gardens in Manchester for when the sun is shining
The Manc
With the arrival of spring comes the first promises of sunshine and, being British, of course we’re already thinking about where to go for that first sun-soaked pint.
With the sun finally starting to stick its head out, even if his visit is brief, we expect we’ll be seeing plenty of packed beer gardens soon enough.
We all know the pain of walking pub-to-pub trying to find a seat on a sunny and/or warm Manchester day, so we’re rounding up the best, the biggest and the most hidden beer gardens in the city to help you to make the most of the good weather.
You might actually stand a chance at getting a seat in one of these, if you’re quick enough.
Thomas Street and Edge Street, Northern Quarter
Common on Edge StreetAd Hoc on Edge Street
This was one of the few positives to come out of the pandemic – removing vehicles from a back-to-back stretch of the Northern Quarter.
It means that the bars along Thomas Street and Edge Street can now fill the roads with tables and chairs in one giant beer garden, but being such a busy stretch it’s often the first place punters think to go for a drink in the sun.
You’ll find the likes of The Morris, Common, Ad Hoc, Terrace, Smithfield Social, the Bay Horse Tavern, Cane and Grain and Wolf At The Door all being given the al fresco treatment.
Terrace also has a gorgeous little hidden beer garden upstairs, and if you find yourself really struggling to find a perch head over to Trof which has a tiny little hidden beer garden on its middle floor.
The Wharf and Dukes 92, Castlefield
Two beer garden institutions both stand in the canal-side setting of Castlefield.
Both The Wharf and Dukes 92 are stuffed to the brim with pub-goers in spring and summer, thanks to their massive terraces, with more people spilling out onto the green lawns surrounding them.
Down here you’ll also find Bar Barca and Albert’s Shed, both in prime position for soaking up some rays with a broad array of seating on offer.
It’s one of the prettiest spots in the city centre too, right on the water with narrow boats and plenty of lush greenery in view.
Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter
Stevenson Square has turned into one giant beer garden in ManchesterPublic’s beer garden in Manchester
Very much in the same wheelhouse as the aforementioned Thomas Street is Stevenson Square, another pocket of the Northern Quarter that’s really still benefitting from those relaxed pavement licenses of 2020.
A number of local operators vie for precious outside space here, including Flok (which does a roaring trade in Aperol spritzes and peach Jubel in the summer), Public, The Faraday, and Eastern Bloc.
There are even a handful of seats outside Soup and Noho when the weather is good, even if they don’t get quite as much sunshine.
The Oast House, Spinningfields
Manchester’s massive free festival Manifest is back for the August bank holiday weekendManchester’s massive free festival Manifest is back for the August bank holiday weekend. Credit: The Manc Group
Beer gardens seem to be everywhere in Manchester these days, which is of course a good thing, but we still have a soft spot for the original outdoor watering hole.
Cast your mind back a few years and The Oast House was one of the only venues that really focused on an open-air offering.
It’s still the same today – masses of tables in the heart of Spinningfields, with bleacher seating all the way round, plus live entertainment and a belting Aperol Spritz.
The Corn Exchange
Banyan is one of the Corn Exchange bars with a great beer gardenSalvi’s sunny terrace at the Corn Exchange
Another corner of the city where bars and restaurants spill outside alongside one another is the Corn Exchange.
Its residents – including Salvi’s, Banyan and Cosy Club – almost all have their own terraces, but it’s the ones on the Exchange Square side who get the most sunshine.
Neighbouring it, meanwhile, are two of Manchester’s oldest pubs – Sinclari’s Oyster Bar and The Old Wellington – both of which also boast large sun trap beer gardens, for those after something a little more traditional.
You might have to queue a little while, but with so much seating, you’ll be sipping a drink in the sun before you know it.
Cutting Room Square, Ancoats
Set in the middle of Ancoats, also known as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Cutting Room Square is guaranteed to get the sun all day long – and with plenty of bars here to choose from you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a seat one way or another.
There’s the classic pub reborn Edinburgh Castle, brilliant cocktail bar Jane Eyre, and local brewery bar from Seven Brothers – drinkers are spoilt for choice.
You can even soak up some rays outside Rudy’s (and the Ancoats one is the OG pizzeria), perch outside the award-winning Erst with a nice glass of wine, or jump in to Elnecot’s patio, where you might even find a BBQ on sunny days.
Waterside neighbourhoods are difficult to find in Greater Manchester, which is what makes New Islington marina feel so special.
In the warmer months, the bars and cafes along here throw out the furniture so you can sit with a pint overlooking the water.
There’s Flawd, an award-winning wine bar; Cask, a brilliant local craft beer bar; and Pollen, if you fancy a pastry garden rather than a beer garden.
Piccadilly Trading Estate, East Piccadilly
Drinking around the Beermuda Triangle in Manchester
Beer paradise awaits just past Manchester Piccadilly, with plenty of beer garden space too, in an industrial estate that’s nicknamed the ‘Beermuda Traingle‘.
There’s the lovely Track Taproom with a huge outside space out the back; Cloudwater Taproom, which is an absolute sun trap; and then Balance Taproom and Sureshot just around the corner, which have less space but just as many vibes.
It’s the perfect activity if you’re looking to drink really great beer and not walk very far whilst still visiting a range of top class spots, because after all…variety is the spice of life.
Society, central
Manchester bar Society to give away FREE Aperol Spritzes to gig-goersThe beer garden at Society Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Not only is this spot right on the water, with excellent views of the Bridgewater Hall, but it’s also home to the biggest beer collection in Manchester.
Society has a whopping 44 beer taps, with a vast range from loads of different top northern breweries, including Cloudwater, Pomona Island, and Rivington (along with a few globally-brewed favourites).
The new beer range is flowing now, alongside all those amazing food traders that call Society home too.
Mala, Northern Quarter
This ‘secret garden’ bar is right in the heart of the Northern Quarter in the midst of the pandemic and is another great outdoor space for getting the drinks in when the sun is shining.
Tucked behind those big mint-green wooden boards on Dale Street is a cluster of picnic tables and wooden huts festooned with fairy lights and plants.
It might not be the tropics, but they’ve got the cocktails to trick your tastebuds into thinking it is – we’re talking frozen strawberry daiquiris and frozen pina coladas. Oh, and there’s beer too.
The Manc -
9th February 2021 
