From Hesitation To Inspiration
Davinder Kaur Ghattoura, England
Davinder Kaur Ghattoura 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 Davinder Kaur Ghattoura and I am 50 years old. I was born and bred in Leicester and I am a Punjabi Sikh. I began my Leicester City in the Community Active Women football journey in May 2021, and am still going strong.
It all started when I overheard a group of ladies laughing and playing rounders at Spinney Hill Park on a Friday morning. The ladies welcomed me to participate, and Sarah Jones, Community Development Manager, and Rukhsana Hussain, Active Women Co-ordinator, from Leicester City in the Community encouraged me to get involved in all the wonderful activities. From that moment, being an active woman became a part of my lifestyle.
Sarah leads Leicester City in the Community’s Active Women, playing a pivotal role in inspiring other women to get involved in a wide range of activities. As a former goalkeeper for a football club, Sarah uses her experience to inspire and encourage women to engage with football, fostering confidence and empowerment through the sport.
I have known Sarah since the days when she used to teach young people, including my son, how to play football. At the time, I would ask him “Why are you playing football? It is not for Asians.” However, Sarah’s dedication, support, and encouragement not only changed my perspective but also pushed my son to excel. Today, he works within Leicester City Football Club, and it is all thanks to Sarah’s belief in him. She is truly the cornerstone of the Active Women team.
Through this programme, I am exposed to new experiences and adventures. I also have the opportunity to face and overcome daily challenges.
A Healthier, Happier Lifestyle
The Active Women programme encourages women to stay active through various activities, exercises, healthy eating, and indoor and outdoor activities. We play many sports including rounders, basketball, cricket, netball, badminton, and football. Women encourage other women to step outside their comfort zones.
My favourite sport is football because it brings people together, teaches teamwork, and is full of excitement and energy. It is not just about the game - it is about the passion, the skills, and the sense of community it creates.
My challenges used to include struggling to find motivation to get up in the morning, but now I feel like I have a reason to do so. Thanks to the Active Women programme, I feel inspired and motivated to take care of myself both physically and mentally. One major challenge has been managing my diabetes and blood pressure, but Leicester City in the Community’s Healthy Goals programme has been a tremendous help in overcoming this. Another hurdle was going outside for a walk, but participating in the Couch to 5K programme, along with a motivating exercise programme, has helped me build confidence and embrace an active lifestyle.
Active Woman Of The Year
The photos are taken from different venues I have accessed through the Active Women Project, giving an insight into what my life now looks like.
My favourite moment was being awarded my Active Woman of the Year 2023 Certificate and Signed Ball, which recognised all my hard efforts, enthusiasm and dedication to participating in a wide range of activities. This journey has even led to me being featured in interviews on BBC One and ITV.
My motto throughout this experience has been, “If I can do it, so can you.” What makes this award even more special is that the winner is chosen by a vote from the Active Women participants in the community, making it a truly humbling and inspiring achievement.
I am also so proud to have been given a signed football of all the men’s Leicester City players. I am always so proud to share my achievements and experiences with people I work with, friends, and family.
Finding Inspiration
In our community, football is not a major sport for women to participate in and is usually only heard of at the professional level. Recreational teams tend to be male-dominated, and women are not encouraged to play as much as they should be. That is why I initially felt hesitant to get involved.
However, I found support within the Active Women Project, which motivated me to take on various roles within the field. The programme has given me a new insight into women in football and has driven me to believe that we are just as good.
My favourite female role model in football is Sarina Wiegman, England's manager. Sarina is an inspiring leader known for her resilience, strategic thinking, and ability to empower others. She overcame early barriers in women’s football to become one of the most respected coaches in the sport. She inspires me and shows me that challenges can be overcome.
If I Can Do It, So Can You
Women in my community sometimes feel scared or judged, so it is important that we keep encouraging each other to go out and play.
Through Active Women, I have learned many skills and have completed The FA’s Level 1 Coaching. I have also been involved in walking football. If I can do this, any other woman can do the same.
Active Women has had a big impact on my life as it has drawn me away from an ordinary life to one now full of adventure and excitement. I was able to go to St. George’s Park Training Ground, Leicester’s Seagrave Training Ground, and attend many matches I would never have gone to otherwise.
Throughout my time with Active Women, I feel heard and like I am my own person. I have explored many new opportunities and, most importantly, learned more about myself. I truly believe that I have blossomed with the help of other women.
My ambition for the future is to encourage other women to take part in Active Women. I hope to inspire women that are in the position I was in once before. I continue to share my motto of ‘if I can do it, so can you!’
