Red Cubs In Hackney
Ella Hill, England
Ella Hill, 29, lives in Stoke Newington, London, and works as a producer in the advertising industry. She plays for Hackney WFC and is part of the club’s development team, the “Red Cubs.” She captured the spirit of grassroots football in East London, from training sessions and league matches to moments away from the pitch. Some of the photos were also taken by her teammate Amy.
My name is Ella, 29, living in Stoke Newington and working as a producer in the advertising industry.
I grew up with a general interest in football, I played it in PE at school and I supported the team my dad supported. However I only properly got involved in football when I moved to Hackney in 2022. I was new to London and the area, most of my friends were dotted around the place. So after feeling inspired and a bit merry the night the England women’s team won the Euros, I went onto Facebook and searched for a local club. Hackney WFC commented on my post and the rest is history.
I will never forget my first training session, I was so nervous. I had not kicked a ball since school but straight away the good vibes and kind faces made it all feel so easy.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
The photos are mainly of the development group at Hackney WFC or “the cubs” as we like to call ourselves. They show a mixture of training, 5-a-side league matches, and socials.
Joining a grassroots football club is more than just playing the game. It spills over into personal time and you have to commit to other duties such as cleaning the kits. We train once a week, have games once or twice a week, and then socials at weekends.
When you are rolling with some great humans who genuinely make you feel good, you don’t mind these overspills. You want to help so you can keep reaping the benefits not just for yourself but for the whole team.
My favourite photo shows the kit drying in the sun in my home. I love seeing the Hackney red take over and I show it off proudly for the neighbours to see.
The hiking photo makes me smile, as that social was my idea. It was with an amazing LGBTQIA hiking group and the tour guide was fabulous but the weather was not on our side. It rained for most of it but it didn’t stop our fun. We sang, joked, laughed and made it to the top of the hill!
What impact has Hackney WFC had on you and the community?
Hackney WFC has made an unbelievable impact on me. I put myself out of my comfort zone and it paid off. I have met friends for life, friends that I would not normally meet in my work place or in my small home town. The mix of people is truly impactful and I am so grateful this club and women’s football clubs exist.
Football means friendship. Football is a language spoken so wide that it really opens the gates to so many conversations and adventures.
One of those photos was taken at the Hackney Half, where me and Meg spoke to lots of young girls. I think HWFC has great role models for young girls and for the community.
What are the opportunities for women and girls to play in your community?
Opportunities are slim as we are always pushed to the sidelines. I have seen our 5-a-side league struggle to find times and locations. We must do more to make sure women’s clubs are given the same opportunities as men’s clubs.
What is the future for football in England? What would you like to change?
The future is bright I believe. Every time I attend a big women’s match at Wembley, I am reminded why it should be the new normal. The vibes are immense. It makes me feel mushy when I see young girls and boys in England shirts with ‘TOONE’ on the back. Those kids will cherish those amazing memories and one day take their kids to a women's football game.
