A tribute to women's football: Can you hear them roar?

Women's football: A powerhouse of determination and skill

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking but we can hand-on-heart say we gave everything.” – Millie Bright

“This one hurts a lot and will for a while.” – Alex Greenwood 

“We created history but we wanted more. So much more. This tournament has brought some unbelievable highs but ultimately we fell just short.” – Lauren Hemp

It is important to frame success over the journey and not the destination

In the dynamic world of sports, women's football has emerged as a powerhouse of determination and skill. The recent Women's World Cup final, where the Lionesses faced a tough loss to Spain, spotlighted not only the intensity of the game but also the mental and physical resilience that defines athletes. Nevertheless, it is important to frame success over the journey and not the destination.  As we delve into the remarkable journey of our very own women's programme at University of Essex, we discover how triumphs and setbacks contribute to shaping athletes into strong, determined individuals.

The significance of mental health support within sport

The Women's World Cup final, with its exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows, embodies the essence of competition. The Lionesses loss to Spain may have marked a challenging moment, but it serves as a poignant reminder that success in sports is unpredictable. The mental fortitude required to navigate such outcomes is immense, highlighting the significance of mental health support within sport.

Our football programme places a premium on mental health

Athletes, irrespective of the sport, are not just warriors on the pitch but also individuals who grapple with the emotional weight of their performances. Our football programme places a premium on mental health, recognising that the pressures of competitions combined with their academics and personal lives, can impact athletes profoundly. By fostering an environment where open conversations about mental health are encouraged, our programme equips athletes with the tools to manage their psychological well-being.
 

Football isn't just about physical prowess; it's a delicate balance between the physical and the mental. The Women's World Cup final epitomises this fusion, where stamina, agility, and quick decision-making blend seamlessly. The University of Essex's commitment to training both the body and the mind empowers players to tackle challenges with a holistic approach. Physical fitness enhances mental resilience, enabling athletes to face adversity head-on. Losses, as painful as they are, are integral to the journey of any athlete. The ability to bounce back after defeat is a hallmark of true champions. Our football program understands the importance of embracing losses as learning opportunities. It cultivates a mindset that values growth over perfection, enabling players to channel setbacks into renewed determination.
 

After all, the Lionesses are still European champions, reached two consecutive international finals in the last 3 years and only lost one official game during that time.
 
Find out more about our football programme at Essex. We are also proud that at Essex we are a FA Women's Football High Performance Centre, supporting and developing the future women's game coaches from around the South-East and our students.

Sports scholarships and bursaries

We are committed to supporting and developing high performance athletes. Find out whether you could be eligible for a sports scholarship or bursary, plus a range of additional benefits too when you join the University of Essex.