A Supportive Space

Aesha, England

Aesha is from Leicester and is part of the Leicester City in the Community Active Women programme. Active Women is a women-only initiative that encourages women from ethnically diverse backgrounds in Leicester to become more active by offering a variety of social and physical activities.

My name is Aesha, I am a housewife, and in 2022 I discovered a passion for football through Leicester City in the Community’s Active Women. My football journey has been a whirlwind of fun as I learned new skills and formed incredible friendships on the pitch. Through Active Women, I have also played basketball, attended exciting events, and participated in tournaments. It has been an amazing adventure from my first awkward kick to scoring my first goal!

I was inspired to join by the opportunity to socialise and be part of a programme. I wanted to get out, meet new people, and connect with others. I just walked into a community centre to see what activities and programmes they offered. 

The sessions being a ladies-only safe space appealed to me, and I loved that I got to play a new sport I enjoy. Meeting other women and seeing everyone playing together felt amazing and was a big part of what motivated me.

Fitness And Friendship

The Active Women project is an initiative that does not just offer sports, it teaches us about taking care of ourselves mentally and physically. It brings women together, helping us socialise, learn new skills, and challenge ourselves in fulfilling ways while opening doors to try new things and grow beyond sports.

For many women, it is a way to step outside their comfort zone and grow, socially and personally. It is so much more than just football - it is a place where we can learn about self-care, and physical, emotional and mental wellbeing while taking part in community events and tournaments. 

What I love most about the Active Women Project is the social aspect - getting out, meeting new people, and connecting in ways I did not expect. I used to be reserved, but the project has helped me come out of my shell and engage with others. I have made new friends, shared stories, and built meaningful connections. And of course, I love playing sports! 

Being a mother of three, I thought my days playing sports like basketball were behind me, but Active Women has allowed me to enjoy the sports I love again. It has opened up a whole new part of my life, bringing me joy and a sense of community I did not know I was missing.

Scoring My First Goal

I have grown so much in confidence and am proud of myself for taking on challenges and pushing through them. When I look back, it is amazing to see how far I have come. I never played football before, but now I am pretty good at it! Scoring my first goal was such a proud moment. 

Even during tournaments, when we face tough challenges and play against more experienced players, I have learned to focus on giving my best. That mindset has helped me grow as a player and as a person. It has been incredible to see my progress and know that I have built myself up through every challenge.

Communal Heartbeat

In our community, football has become a vibrant hub of connection, inclusivity, and joy. Historically, football was seen as a male-dominated sport, but now, it is breaking those old norms wide open, with women participating and thriving on the field.

This shift is changing how the sport is viewed and is inspiring younger generations of women to get involved. It is exciting to watch the sport become more inclusive and it is no longer surprising to see women actively participating at all levels, from grassroots to professional. Breaking down these old stereotypes allows for a more diverse and welcoming environment in football.

Everyone is welcome, no matter their skill level, and it creates a positive environment where we can all support and encourage each other. It is also a space filled with joy - whether it is celebrating goals, cheering each other on, or just having fun during practice, there is always so much energy and excitement.

Football is a communal heartbeat, a place where everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, comes together. It is our weekly release, a chance to let off steam, cheer each other on, and share in the thrill of friendly competition.

Women’s Game On

In our community, women have been given many opportunities to engage in football through initiatives like Active Women, which offers women-only sessions. These sessions provide a safe and comfortable environment where women can play freely, dress as they feel comfortable, and even remove their headscarves if they wish. This respects diverse backgrounds and ensures privacy, allowing women to enjoy the game without pressure.

Initially, people in my community were surprised to see me playing football, as it was not the norm. But as I became more committed and involved, their support grew tremendously. The community has been very encouraging, treating me like family and helping to make women's participation in sports a new norm, despite some initial family hesitance.

Barriers Are Just Perceptions

Many women in our community face challenges when looking to be involved in sports or even simply taking time for themselves. Balancing family responsibilities with personal time can be one of the biggest obstacles because many women, including myself, feel a strong pull to prioritise family over everything else. Finding “me time” can feel almost impossible, and I did not know where to start.

Cultural and social expectations can also make it hard for women to participate because it was not seen as “normal” in my Pakistani culture for women to play sports. I grew up believing that once you are a housewife or mother, your role is to take care of the household and leave things like sports behind. I even felt like I was “too old” to play again. Through programmes like Active Women, I learned that those barriers were not real limitations but just perceptions. I found that sports are for everyone, and age or status should not hold us back from doing what we love.

A Sense Of Belonging

Football has become incredibly meaningful to me for so many reasons. It is a form of escape and self-care. It is a place where I feel free to release energy and tension, a space where I can relax, have fun, and let go of the pressures of daily life. Every time I play, I feel a sense of freedom and return to my responsibilities feeling refreshed and recharged.

Active Women and football have transformed my life. I found the courage to step outside my comfort zone, take on challenges, and connect with others in ways I never imagined possible. Socialising and building friendships were once difficult for me, but now I have a supportive community that believes in me. 

The encouragement Active Women has given me has motivated me to pursue coaching courses, and one day, I hope to be a coach myself. I have completed an induction course in basketball coaching, which helped me understand the key aspects of being a coach, like the importance of building strong relationships with players, creating a positive learning environment, and giving constructive feedback. 

As for the future, I hope to coach basketball, both in my community and in schools. I would love to get involved in school PE programmes, helping students develop their skills and enthusiasm for sports, and working with local community teams to keep women engaged in active sports. My goal is to continue developing my coaching skills and eventually take the next step in my coaching journey, helping to make sports more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

I feel a strong calling to give back to the community that has supported me. Just as I was encouraged and uplifted, I want to be that source of strength for others. Through this journey, I have learned more about myself and developed a clearer vision for my future. I now feel empowered to make impactful decisions, inspire others, especially young people, and continue growing. Active Women has given me a sense of belonging and purpose, and I am grateful for the way it has enriched my life over the past two years.

The Future Is Bright

The future of football in our community is incredibly bright and full of promise. The sport is already growing, and as more people discover the joy and connection it brings, I can see the community becoming larger, more inclusive, and deeply rooted in our daily lives. 

Looking to the future, my hopes for Active Women are that they continue to inspire, uplift, and encourage more women to step outside their comfort zones and embrace an active lifestyle. Active Women have been transformative for so many and I hope this positive impact continues to grow. This journey has been life-changing for me, and I hope that it can be the same for many others, leading to a healthier, happier, and more connected community for women everywhere.