Latest news with #Dowie
Graziadaily
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Graziadaily
Embracing Football Fever
We're in the midst of another great summer of sport – with women's football front and centre. The highly anticipated UEFA Women's EURO 2025 proudly sponsored by AXA, the insurance provider, kicked off on 2nd July, now football fans and newcomers alike are wondering how they can keep the ball rolling. It might still be a male-dominated sport, but women are finally taking up more of the space they deserve – winning over fans and collecting trophies in the process. As former Lioness Tash Dowie attested at AXA's recent 'Play on the Pitch' event at Liverpool FC, it's more important than ever for women to keep kicking the doors down. Dowie played for the England Women's team at youth and senior level as well as for Watford, Fulham, Charlton Athletic, Everton, Liverpool and the Doncaster Rover Belles. Despite being the top WSL goal scorer in 2013 Dowie was overlooked for the England Women's EURO Squad which was a huge knockback. Undeterred, Dowie was determined to keep on kicking and went on to play football in Australia, Italy, Norway Sweden and the US before returning to the UK. Since retiring from professional football in 2023, Dowie continues to be a force for good in the world of women's sport and drive growth of Women's football in her role as Women's ambassador for Liverpool FC 'I teach girls about resilience,' she explains. 'I tell them if you want to make it to the top: work hard, have fun, and believe in yourself. These are three important principles for those playing at any age or level of football. Not only are we seeing more girls taking up football, but there's a phenomenon sweeping the country, thanks to the Walking Football Association (WFA) with men's and women's Walking Football teams launching up and down the country – offering women over the age of 40 and men over the age of 50 a chance to play a non-contact, slower pace version of football – and there has never been a more exciting time to get involved. Walking Football offers a multitude of health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, improving blood pressure, postural balance, resting heartrate, lowered cholesterol, blood sugar levels and bone density. More importantly, though, it's fun, and it fosters local, inclusive and uplifting communities around the UK. There is even a unique and special Walking Football team called Kicking Cancer for those living with, recovered or recovering from the disease. Emma Kimber, who plays for the Kicking Cancer team and Melksham Walking Football Club, started playing 11-a-side football to regain fitness after her treatment for ovarian cancer. After 10 years, as she approached 50, Kimber was looking for a way to continue to play football without the more physical element and that's when she found Walking Football, enabling her to continue to play the sport she loved and discover a whole new footballing community 'It's given me incredible opportunities and a massive amount of confidence – both in my football abilities and beyond that. I just feel generally loved and that's a really special thing.' Kirsten Pybus, a midfielder for Dawlish Walking Football Club, who is also a cancer survivor, couldn't agree more. The sport has connected her to her community in ways she couldn't have imagined. 'We recently had our Dawlish Walking Football AGM and after the formalities we decided to have a meal and went to our local pub for karaoke,' she said. 'Sweet Caroline is always the first song on the list.' 'It's enhanced my life immensely,' Pybus adds. 'I've got new friends and that's had a knock-on effect of improving the lives of my family. I'm a much more positive person because of Walking Football. QUOTE: 'It doesn't matter what level of fitness you have, you'll always be embraced by the Walking Football community. We have people on our team from age 35 to their seventies and eighties. It's a sport for everyone.' (Emma Kimber) . Watch the full story of the Kicking Cancer Walking Football team here: Walking Football has always been inclusive, but it can be competitive too, especially with the World Nations Cup of Walking Football kicking off in October. And this is the first time ever that women can compete. A group of women from various Walking Football teams around the country have been selected to play under the England banner for the Walking Football Association (WFA) in the 40's, 50's & 60's age groups including the Kicking Cancer Team. Julia Tibbs, the Director and Head of Women's Development for the WFA, who plays for Taunton Women's Walking Football Club, feels confident about England's chances. 'We've got fantastic teams,' she says. 'For the Kicking Cancer Team, to qualify you have to come to a trial and we run a series of fitness tests and mini games.' And Tibbs is determined to spread the word. 'Anybody new that I meet gets given a fundraising card. I'm very inspired to make this work,' she beams. 'The women's game is so important. It's growing at a massive rate. My inbox is full of enquiries saying, 'Where can I sign up?' It means so much.' If you want to form new friendships, improve your fitness and build your confidence then click here to find your local team and sign up for free Women's Walking Football taster sessions taking place nationally throughout July For more information about Walking Football head to The UEFA Women's EURO 2025, the 14th edition of the tournament, will be held in Switzerland from the 2nd July – 27th July 2025.
North Wales Live
01-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Most women quit team sports by the age of 21 - despite mental and physical benefits
Only seven per cent of women in the UK participate in team sports, with the majority giving up by the age of 21, according to new research. The study, which surveyed 3,000 women with a background in sports, found that seven in ten believe it is easier for men to continue playing team sports as they get older. While many women play team sports regularly up to the age of 25, participation drops sharply into single figures among women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. The biggest barriers were busy schedules, work commitments, and family responsibilities. Three-quarters of women admitted there are weeks when they struggle to fit in any exercise at all. The research was commissioned by AXA UK as part of its 'Keep on Kicking' campaign, which aims to highlight the challenges women face in staying active in team sports throughout different life stages. The campaign also celebrates AXA's sponsorship of this summer's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland and its support for Women's Walking Football across the UK. Tara Foley, CEO of AXA UK & Ireland, said: "It is concerning that so few women over 18 are currently taking part in team sports. Being part of a team, whether in business or on the sports field, helps to develop so many valuable skills, as well as building resilience and forging trusted relationships. "We hope AXA's sponsorship of this summer's Women's EURO and support for Women's Walking Football will shine a light on the benefit of getting involved in a team sport, at whatever stage of life you are at, can bring." Tash Dowie, who retired from professional football in 2023, also voiced her disappointment. 'Team sport has played such a huge role in my life and the benefits for mental and physical health can't be underestimated,' she said. Dowie, now a Liverpool FC ambassador, recently attended an event at Anfield where women aged 50 and over played walking football. She said: 'Some had experienced cancer or strokes and this was almost like their second life. I think it's really powerful and important that the older generation get that opportunity to have a go now. They tell me how important it is for them mentally as well. "It's saved a lot of people's lives being able to play the game, socially in that environment of being around people." The study found that women who exercise do so three times a week, including twice with others. Of those who play team sports, 84 percent wish they could find the time to play more often with football, basketball and netball being the most popular choices. Encouragingly, nine out of ten parents said it was important to set a positive example for their children when it comes to exercise. Dowie added: "Providing opportunities for women to re-engage with team sports at whatever age, such as Women's Walking Football, is a really positive step towards helping them stay healthy and enjoy the camaraderie that being part of a team brings." Tara Foley echoed this sentiment, saying: 'As a health insurance provider, we know the long-term benefits of staying fit and healthy – both mentally and physically.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
History made in Liverpool Legends game with two Chelsea players crunched seconds later
Former Liverpool FC Women's star Natasha Dowie made history as she became the first woman to take part in the club's annual legends game - making her mark within moments of being introduced from the bench with a crunching tackle. The ex-England international's legacy on Merseyside is already secure, with the retired striker having represented both the Reds and neighbors Everton during her glittering career. During her time wearing the colors of the red half of the city, she won successive Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. Across two spells with the Merseyside giant, Dowie became Liverpool Women's all-time leading goalscorer to write her name into the history books. Having made her entrance during the charity legends game against Chelsea as a first-half substitute, she wasted no time in rolling back the years as she replaced Momo Sissoko on the field. READ MORE: Peter Crouch gives honest Arne Slot verdict after PSG and Newcastle defeats READ MORE: How to watch Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea for free as Steven Gerrard returns for charity game Introduced wearing the No. 9 by manager Sir Kenny Dalglish, she was cheered by the Kop as she became the first woman to take part in the annual legends fixture at Anfield. Just moments after being sent on, she then proceeded to tackle Claude Makelele, who was left writhing in pain following the tackle. The challenge led to a free-kick being given against the Reds on the edge of their opponents' box, as the Frenchman hobbled away in front of the Anfield Road end. From there, the 36-year-old ex-forward also tackled Chelsea's Ramires, who also was floored by the lunge - this time in the middle of the park. The home faithful showed their appreciation for the attacker's unwavering efforts, as she showed her competitive nature by winning the ball back for her side. After the interception on the Brazilian, Dowie then showed her ability to link the play as she got the ball out of her feet before setting Liverpool up on the attack. Coming into the game at Anfield, the 14-time international spoke of her pride as she prepared to take to the field alongside ex-Reds skippers Gerrard and Sami Hyypia, as well as Kop favorites Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt. She told the club's official website: "It's so exciting for us to include female players in this year's legends game. "We're the first to do this at club level, we are pioneers, and it's a big thing for young girls and boys to see this happening," the club ambassador continued. Speaking at a press conference before the clash with Chelsea's legends side - which includes names such as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Dennis Wise and Gianfranco Zola - she said: "Thank you to the Foundation for making this happen. I think it's a big moment for the club to be the first to involve a woman within the game. Hopefully it will inspire lots of young girls and boys. 'I wasn't able to play football at primary school or secondary school; girls weren't allowed to play football. For me to be in this position as the first female ambassador of the club, my task is to always try and be the first, the first to play in a legends game, but hopefully not the last as well. So yes, selfishly, it's incredible. I can't wait. 'I've got all my friends and family coming up," she confirmed. "But I'm doing this not just for myself, but you know 5, 10, 15 years' time, hopefully this can be the next thing and this can be something that we collaborate on again."
BBC News
07-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'This is the best they have played over the past few weeks'
Former Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie says it is "a pleasure" to watch Arne Slot's side at the moment and noted there are individuals in the team that are currently "playing with so much confidence" week in, week on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast about the Reds' 4-1 Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham, Dowie said: "I actually think this is the best they have played over the past few weeks. I think everyone turned up and, as soon as the first goal went in, I thought it was a really comfortable performance."Liverpool fully deserved to go through. It is great for them, that is two finals in a row and it is always a great day out for the fans."Dowie added that there is no reason why Arne Slot shouldn't push for the quadruple in his first season at Anfield: "There were moments last night when I was looking around the team and seeing individuals playing with so much confidence."I mean, you look at the bench and he can just bring on the likes of Diogo Jota."Credit to the staff as well. It is very rare to get to this stage of the season and have a fully fit squad - except Trent Alexander-Arnold."It really is the perfect start for Arne Slot - and long may it continue, as a Liverpool fan."
