“Representation is so important - and that this representation is truly diverse - it challenges stereotypes of what women can and can’t do, and provides role models that kids and younger players can fully relate to” states Women’s Reserve Team Manager Helen Bellfield on the importance of female representation in sport. “Increasing visibility is important, but ultimately this needs to be every day, not just International Women’s Day”. 

Facing both challenges and successes during her time in the sport, Bellfield spoke about some of the obstacles that women have faced, and continue to face: “Barriers include a lack of representation, which also reinforces stereotypes around whether women can be good managers and coaches, the time commitment and limited full-time paid opportunities within the women’s game, coupled with the cost of coaching licenses” being just some of the hindrances the women’s game faces. 

When asked about the specific challenges that she had faced, Bellfield stated: “Being taken seriously, especially when I was younger, when people would often assume that other members of the team were leading, which I dealt with by demonstrating what I could do”. 

“I have also been hugely privileged in getting the opportunities to lead that which many women don’t have. There are many more barriers and challenges for women of colour to have these opportunities, and that is reflected in the fact that both football and the environment sector that I work in have disproportionately few women of colour in leadership positions”. 

Speaking about the opportunities she has had, and the influences on her career, she spoke highly of her former coach Abigail Ingram, who continues to support her today. 

“She was the first female coach I had after a decade of playing women’s football when she coached at Dulwich Hamlet Women a few years ago [...] When I knew my playing career was ending with injury I approached Abigail to ask her about coaching and what she enjoyed about it and ended up trying it myself with Girls United”.

“I really enjoyed it and 3 years on I still coach with Girls United as well as then having the confidence to step up and into the Dulwich Reserves Manager role when our manager left at short notice at the beginning of last season. Abigail still acts as a mentor whenever I have questions and supports my coaching development”. 

A small part of something bigger, Bellfield highlighted the importance of local league girls’ teams for the growth of the sport: “I stopped playing football at 11, until I picked it up again at university, as there were no nearby girls teams. So seeing a thriving local league for girls in South-East London through my work with Girls United is great to see”. 

This is not the only success that she spoke highly of, however, highlighting her most rewarding aspect of being a female manager as seeing “players enjoy their football and to see them develop their skills”. 

“With Dulwich, to see the team come together and develop an identity. [The] highlight of this year was to see the Reserves play their best football on a big occasion at Champion Hill, and dominate a quarter-final game”.

The growth of women in sport in recent times has been huge, but it’s important to continue this trend and inspire more women and girls to get involved in the sport. 

“From the Lionesses winning the Euros in front of a full house at Wembley to the growth of the Pepper Army, the support and interest in women’s football has exploded - although clearly there is a long way to go in terms of equal facilities, wages and representation across the game. I haven’t seen many other female managers, coaches or refs this year!”

Therefore, with plenty of growth already in the women’s game, and advancements still to be made, Bellfield encourages young girls just to “play! You will make friends, learn new skills” and potentially find a love for the sport which continues to grow.

OUR RESERVES ARE BACK AT CHAMPION HILL: 

We're delighted to announce that our reserves side are coming back to Champion Hill on Sunday 30th March as they host Bognor Regis Town in the L&SERWFL Plate semi-final. Season tickets are valid for this game. If you haven't got a season ticket then you can purchase your match tickets here.