We Come Together: #Givetogain 2026

International Women's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while marking a call to action for gender parity.

This year’s theme is #givetogain, encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Two years ago, I wrote about our football club and what it means to us. Today, #givetogain feels incredibly appropriate for our community sports club, where so many people give their time as volunteers to increase opportunities for women. So, no better time for a reprise!

I once looked at our 50-strong group and wondered: what drives them to play every week, rain or shine? I asked them to tell me why they come to play, and their stories stirred a huge weight of responsibility in me to represent them correctly. Using their words and mine, this is why We Come Together.

…because we value a strong sense of family.

We have over 50 members from different backgrounds, yet it felt close-knit the moment I joined. Team sport requires trust; we work on that each week, and it brings us closer as people.

“After seven years not playing, I felt a huge void. The friendships I’ve made mean the world to me; I’d be lost without this team!”

“I always leave the training pitch feeling energised and like a new, happy person – I love our little football family!”

“The team has been a great support system for me, and I have met ladies I now consider not only my best friends, but family.”

We have a coaching team with strong female representation, our sessions are structured for all abilities. They are patient, though I’m not sure we’re always the best students. We’re a bit chatty on arrival, and then there are the naughty ones at the back (you know who you are). Someone once mentioned “herding kittens,” in reference to our training drill, but I’m pretty sure we nailed it.

…because we are the sum of our individual parts.

We have an unbelievable set of skills: nurses, paramedics, police, business owners, artists, teachers, and midwives, to name just a few. These skills - determination, communication, leadership, transfer perfectly to the pitch.

“The relationships formed over sweaty, all-weather games of women’s football – in itself a ground-breaking sport – are irreplaceable. Shouting, sliding, cheering are lifegiving activities.”

“I love chatting with all the ladies… We have a shared love of team sports, there's lively personalities that always make it fun and I'm just so happy to have found something outside of the usual yoga.”

If something needs doing, it gets done. I honestly believe we could run the country from within our WhatsApp group. Having said that, not a week goes by when we actually know who's got the balls, and don't even get me started on the bibs.

…because we all need support.

Our weekly sessions are a chance to switch off from daily stresses. Some of the team have emotionally challenging jobs and use this time as a release. Others found their way here to combat loneliness, heal from trauma, or find purpose after loss. Sometimes, "adulting" is just plain hard, and we need to run it off.

“My job is a beautiful one, but it can be very emotionally challenging at times. Football is and always has been my release, my therapy.”

“Football is a great way to unwind and take my mind off work, which is an extremely hard and emotionally exhausting job.”

“I wanted to do something for me and joining this team has greatly helped my mental health, really pulled me out of a very dark and desperate hole.”

…because we feel inspired and empowered.

The growth in the women's game is everywhere, from the Lionesses to the WSL. But inspiration works upwards, too. We "oldies" have felt inspired to put our hands up and say we want to play.

“I chose to come and learn how to play football because I watched the Lionesses win the Euros and it inspired me to take it up.”

“Returning to football was making a choice only for myself, carving out something just for me, and I realised that I had stopped doing that until then.”

“Growing up in the 80s we weren’t allowed to play football at school, so I kicked a ball for the first time aged 46! It’s very empowering being part of a team.”

…because we want to celebrate our successes.

This team excels at celebrating, and the local pubs would concur. While ‘Tequila Wednesday’ isn’t for everyone, we have plenty to cheer for: two league trophies in the last two seasons and various tournament wins.

“I grew up being the only girl on the boys’ footy team. With my primary school teacher having to beg other schools to ‘allow’ a girl to play against their team of boys.”

“I have wanted to play in a football team since Liverpool won the double in 1986. I'm now 47 so it's been a long wait!! The whole journey with the team has been awesome. A proper life highlight.”

…because we are done being denied.

We are done with the toxic narrative around women and sport. Being visible is how we turn the tide; our young people need to see us competing, celebrating, and picking each other up.

I want our story to inspire more women to know it’s not too late. It just takes one or two to be brave and raise their hand. This International Women’s Day, remember that when we give our time, our courage, and our support, we all gain a community.

#internationalwomensday #givetogain #IWD2026