Latest news with #JillScottMBE
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Sport
- Buzz Feed
Jill Scott MBE On Racism, Progress, And The Future Of Women's Football
Growing up as a Black football fan; supporter of Manchester United and the England national team isn't for the faint-hearted. Over the years, we have seen players and fans face racist abuse for simply existing, and unfortunately, in 2025, things aren't changing as quickly as we'd hope. Today, England has made the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 finals, and tonight I'll be fueled with anxiety not only with the hopes of winning but the dread of what will happen to our Black players if we lose. During this tournament, Jess Carter withdrew from social media after facing online abuse related to her skin colour. A few years earlier, Black players on the men's team endured harsh criticism for losing the tournament. This prompts the question: Why do I support a country that doesn't support me? Change doesn't happen overnight, and comparing 2025 to 2005, it's very clear to see the leaps we've made in diversity and inclusion, especially in women's football. A lot of the help has come from dedicated fans, as well as brands like Heineken, which have made it their aim to be at the heart of cultural change in football, proving they're genuinely committed to changing the sport for the better, both on and off the pitch. Speaking to former England player and Euros 2022 champion Jill Scott MBE, we discuss the evolution of the game, the racism still plaguing it, and the future of women's football. The Women's Euros 2025 has been an entertaining tournament to say the least. What has been your highlight so far?When I heard the record-breaking ticket sales, I think over 600,000 tickets have been sold, I think that just shows how many people are now wanting to come and watch women's football. So I think just being in and around the tournament, and just getting to meet the fans. Women's football now has fans who aren't going away. When I used to play, you would get fans that would just turn up for tournaments, and then it would drop off, but now the women's games have fans that are here through the good times and the bad times. That's definitely been my highlight. Who do you think is taking the trophy home tonight?
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Pub Delivery': Heineken® brings fans' matchday ritual – and their ‘lucky pub' - with them to Lisbon for the UEFA Women's Champions League final
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link. AMSTERDAM, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Half of football fans have matchday rituals – and nearly as many (46%)* believe their superstitions can influence the score. For two Arsenal fans, that ritual meant watching every game from the same corner of The Twelve Pins bar in North London - same seats, same beers, same pre-match routine. So, when their team reached the UEFA Women's Champions League final, Heineken did what needed to be done: packed up their lucky pub setup and shipped it to Lisbon. Rebuilt inside a truck, it gave the two women the ultimate matchday experience - ready for the game at the Estádio José Alvalade, ritual and all. For years, London-based Amelie Margaret Kirk and Sophie Hurst have made The Twelve Pins their matchday home - pints in hand, seats unchanged. As part of its ongoing celebration of football's most devoted hardcore fans and the women's game, Heineken transformed their personal tradition into a portable pre-match pub experience. Painstakingly recreated and transported over 2,200 kilometres from North London to the heart of Lisbon, every detail of their ritual was brought to life - beermats, bar stools, pint glasses and all - so they could follow the same routine they believe helps set their team up for success. For these two superstitious fans, it's not just a pub - it's a travelling talisman. Of course, it wouldn't be a real pub without Heineken on tap. Football legend and former Lioness, Jill Scott MBE, will be hitching a ride to raise a glass with two of football's most superstitious fans. Jill Scott MBE, former England midfielder, says: 'I've seen plenty of matchday rituals over the years – some hilarious, some heartfelt, but all completely serious to the person who believes in them. I love that Heineken is matching the energy of superstitious fans at the UEFA Women's Champions League final. It makes me happy to see hardcore fans of the women's game being acknowledged and celebrated in this way.' Nabil Nasser, Global Head of Heineken® Brand, says: 'Who are we to stand between superstitious fans and their matchday rituals? From recreating a lucky pub at the UEFA Women's Champions League final to shining a light on the fans who make the game what it is, 'Cheers to the Superstitious Fans' is all about celebrating fandom in all its forms. Since joining the women's game in 2021, we've seen it grow in incredible ways—and we're proud to continue championing that momentum.' Heineken has supported the UEFA Women's Champions League since 2021 and continues to spotlight the stories of real hardcore fans whose love for the game makes football more than just a sport. To learn more about the campaign and celebrate fan superstitions, visit: HERE Notes to editors: Editorial information: Fans can follow the campaign by searching using the hashtag #SuperstitiousFans Please find the campaign video: HERE Please find the high-resolution campaign image: HERE For more information, please contact: HNKNFootball@ Research: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 12,011 Football fans in the UK, USA, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, and South Korea. The data was collected between 01.04.2025 - 07.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. About HEINEKEN: HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through 'Brewing a Better World', sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 85,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under and HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY). Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: and follow us on Twitter via @HEINEKENCorp. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
