Al Greenwood

“The Euros transformed women’s football from the grassroots upwards. For me the most exciting evidence of this seeing the number of young girls playing football today.”

⸺Who is Alex Greenwood?

I am a lifelong Man United fan, and played football obsessively throughout my childhood. Like so many, I stopped playing as I left primary school and entered puberty as I lacked the infrastructure and support to continue playing. I rejoined a team in University and have become passionate about extending access to women’s football for women and girls.

I am a drummer in the band Sports Team and get to tour the world in this role. During COVID, I set up a creative collective called INMOTION alongside two friends to celebrate the joy of movement. We view music and culture as an accessible entry point for football and sport for many girls and women who might otherwise feel excluded from these spaces.

⸺What team/country do you support and why?

I support the Lionesses because I can so clearly identify the impact their success has upon the provision and access to football in the UK which I am so excited by. However this Women’s World Cup has also been amazing in showcasing the emerging talent from across the world. The gulf that once marked the women’s game has closed beyond belief and there are some unbelievable scenes unfolding before us with new stars and teams. We have seen excellent vibes from the African nations and in their early games, Brazil’s fluidity and skill was second to none!

⸺How long have you been watching women’s football and have you noticed any changes within the sport?

I got into women’s football after the World Cup in France in 2019. It was the first time that I was aware of the game and able to follow the games and players. The game has progressed so much throughout this period. As a fan, I think a key improvement has been in the coverage - not just of the games themselves, but of broader player profiles and narratives of the teams. For me this is critical in feeling invested in the action on the pitch.

⸺What impact do you think the 2022 Euros had on women and women’s football in general?

The Euros transformed women’s football from the grassroots upwards. For me the most exciting evidence of this seeing the number of young girls playing football today.

⸺How do you view the future of women's football?

The future of women’s football is a testbed for the future of women’s sport, and in my mind womens sport offers a model for a more equal society.