Players Views

Hope Powell

England's Women's team

It's been seven years since you became the first black and female manager of the women's team. Are you still faced with the challenges of racism or sexism in football?
I haven't experienced it openly except for one when I was younger. I have experienced it outside of the football world but as manager I haven't experienced it, thank God. I'd like to think we've moved on. I don't think it's anywhere near the level that it has been for players in this country. And I hope it never ever goes that way. I think a campaign like Show Racism the Red Card is really important because without it it could go back to the way it was.

What do you think of emerging talents such as Aman Dosanj and Anita Asante?
I think it's fantastic that we have these young black and Asian players coming through. It allows other players to aspire to where they are. But it's not because they're black, it's because they're talented. It's not so taboo anymore. We've kind of broken that mould and barrier now so more black and Asian players are coming through.

You've previously said it was initially difficult for your mum to understand why you chose football as a career. What advice would you give to young girls who may not have the support of their parents?
I actually sneaked out and did it but I don't think that's the best advice. It's best talking to your parents and try to give them as much information about the game and the positives of the game. Socially it's great, healthwise it's great. There's lots of assests to playing and being in a team sport. You're active. With the recent government legislation on obesity, there are certain angles you can go down to make them aware that it's a god thing. Try to discuss it. It's about education and telling them about what goes on.

The British movie Bend It Like Beckham proved to be a big hit. Were you happy with the way it dealth with issues facing women in football?
When I watched that film I thought, that is me. I think they got some really positive messages out there and a lot of people could relate to that in minorty ethnic groups because culturally it's very different and I think it's promising. Hopefully a lot of those parents where some girls find it a struggle. It was as realistic as it could get and some of the issues were positive. I saw a bit of me in her; the struggle, the education and not being allowed to play.

What advice would you give to girls in football who may be faced with racism and sexism?
Everybody's different. But if you have a passion and a belief and you want to play I would say just try to fulfil your dream and keep striving to reach that. Don't be deterred from that. The people that matter are your parents, they're there to support you. Don't let other people stop you from doing what you want to do.

What benefits do you think having multicultural teams have brought to British football?
It makes the whole group dynamic better and more diverse. People become more aware and that can only be a good thing. In the world we're in and in football, for me personally, it has been a really big highlight for me. I have a global network of friends. As players you're in competition but after the battle is done you also end up becoming friends and that's nice, experiencing different cultures and attitudes. It's a positive thing and you can learn to take people for who they are. I think your life is so much more fulfilled when meeting different people and experiencing different cultures. You just might miss out on something special.