To celebrate the launch of our best-selling Hooligans Collection and to mark International Women’s Month, we spoke with some of the UK’s leading female footballers on what kick-started their football careers and what pieces they’re coveting from the Hooligans collection.
Lucy Bronze: England Lionesses and FC Barcelona Femeni
@lucybronze
How did you get into football and when did you realise it was what you wanted to do as a career?
My brother is 2 years older, and I just adored him so much as a child, so I did everything he did and he played football so I did. It wasn’t until I was in my late teens where I saw it as a potential career, it was and still is just something that I love doing.
How would you describe your off-pitch style?
I’d say, quite relaxed. I love neutral colours, loose fit.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
To always believe in yourself, even if no one else does.
What advice would you give to young athletes, particularly girls that want to get into the sport?
Be confident in yourself, find something you love and just work as hard as you can to be the best you.
If you weren’t playing professional football, what other career would you be doing?
I did play tennis and other sports. But I absolutely loved numbers and maths growing up, so always said I would be an accountant.
In terms of fashion, and football, what do you think are some of the similarities between those worlds?
Having your own style, showing who you are, having confidence in yourself.
What is your favourite item(s) from the Hooligans Collection?
I love the ‘Collagen’ T-shirt, just because I love a good simple oversized white Tee! But I really like the ‘SSSPORT’ knit jumper too, I think it’s a good simple relaxed style, and I like the knit pattern of it.
What are your future goals?
Future goals would be to keeping winning on and off the pitch. Lifting trophies and changing the game.
Angharad James: Tottenham Hotspur and Wales National Team
@angharadjames10
How did you get into football and when did you realise it was what you wanted to do as a career?
I was a kid who loved all sports, rugby and football being my preferred two. At 12 I couldn’t play rugby with the boys anymore and that’s when I focused on football and it being my career. My best initial memories of playing football was playing at my primary school with my friends or after school, when I used to bribe my sister with sweets to go in goal so I didn’t have to chase my ball back after each shot! Women's football wasn’t as visible as it is now, so I didn’t realise it could be a full time career for me. I would only see male footballers on the TV, so it wasn’t until I moved to London at 15, to play for the Arsenal Academy, I became aware that women can play professionally. That’s when I focused to achieve my dream of playing full-time.
I would say the biggest advice I could give is to take risks, believe in yourself and work hard. You will have to make sacrifices, my biggest one was moving away from my family at such a young age, but it was what I felt was best for my career. You will be challenged and it won’t always be easy but this will be what makes you stronger and will eventually define you as a person & a player. Don’t take anything for granted, always do it with a smile :)
What advice would you give to young athletes, particularly girls that want to get into the sport?
The best advice I’ve been given is to do what makes you happy. I believe when you’re at your happiest, you play your best. So it’s a win, win. As a young professional I found it very difficult to switch off from the game, I would put all my energy into football and I soon found out that it didn’t work that way. I started making more time for my family and friends, and on days off I’d make sure I did something different, something that took my mind away from football and ultimately whatever made me happy. It makes me hungrier to get back on the grass the following day.
How would you describe your off-pitch style?
I would say my style is very casual and oversized. My wardrobe is rather neutral, I love beige and grey at the moment, you can’t go wrong. Personally I like to the think I’m quite edgy with what I wear, but maybe I’ll let others decide on that one!!
If you weren’t playing professional football, what other career would you be doing?
I have a lot of other interests, I think if I didn’t play football I’d be 1 of 3 things. I’d either be a school teacher / football coach, (coaching is something I think I’ll go into after I retire) a travel agent or an interior designer. I love decorating different rooms, with different styles. I get obsessed with ordering a new vase, a new rug or 100s of plants for my house. So if I could choose one occupation right now, I’d be an interior designer.
In terms of fashion, and football, what do you think are some of the similarities between those worlds?
I have a lot of respect for people who go against the grain with what they choose to wear. Women’s footballers, in particular have paved the way for that and I love that about our sport. Empowering each other and being confident in yourself is really important to me. I like to be unique and use my fashion to express my personality.
What is your favourite item(s) from the Hooligans Collection?
I love the Hooligans Collection. There’s usually a T-Shirt or hoodie of some sort on my Christmas lists, but this collection has been one of my favourites. I love the SKR hoodie and sweatpants in fume and I think my absolute favourite is the SSSport Knit. I think it’s an item that can be dressed up or down. To be honest I’m obsessed with a lot of the Sisters and Seekers collections and It’s great to see a Welsh brand paving the way in the fashion industry.
What are your future goals?
My future goal is to qualify for a major tournament with Wales. I love being Welsh and carry so much pride in representing my country. I would love to put our little country on the big stage, that would be special. Another big reason for playing the game is to create change for the next generation, to inspire and to eventually leave the women’s game in a better place than I first found it. I think within Wales we are currently achieving this.
Charlie Estcourt: Birmingham City and Wales National Team
@charlieestcourt
How did you get into football and when did you realise it was what you wanted to do as a career?
I got into football when I was 4, my dad was always into football and my uncle ran a team that my cousin played for so I went down and joined in. And I always wanted it be to my career but I only realised it was possible when I was probably 15 and women’s teams started to become professional
How would you describe your off-pitch style?
My off pitch style I would say is a pretty classic style but with cool elements, I live in tracksuits too!
What advice would you give to young athletes, particularly girls that want to get into the sport?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to make sure you always love what you're doing because that will always bring the best out of you.
I would say similar to what I was told love what you do and always work hard because if you work hard you’ll have no regrets
If you weren’t playing professional football, what other career would you be doing?
I’ve always wanted to be a part of the media so I’ve always wanted to some sort of presenting
In terms of fashion, and football, what do you think are some of the similarities between those worlds?
I think from what I know about fashion it can be quite cut throat and so can football you’ve got to be always at the top of your game because there’s always competition
What is your favourite item(s) from the Hooligans Collection?
My favourite item from the collection is either the tracksuit or the hooligans jumper!
What are your future goals?
My future goals are to continue to play professional football for as long as I can, whilst also starting to do some media work both on social media and on TV!