This International Women’s Day (IWD), communities across the world are coming together to celebrate the achievements of women and recognise the work still needed to achieve gender equality.

This year’s 2026 campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the power of generosity and collaboration, recognising that when individuals and communities give their time, knowledge, opportunities and support, it creates meaningful progress for women and girls everywhere.

At Pride Park FC, that message couldn’t be more relevant. As one of only two clubs in Derby dedicated exclusively to women and girls’ football, the club exists because of the people who give their time and passion to help grow the game. From players and coaches to volunteers working behind the scenes, Pride Park FC is built on a shared commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls to play, develop and enjoy football in a supportive environment.

Celebrating the Women of Pride Park FC
International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the women and girls who make Pride Park FC what it is, on the pitch, on the touchline and behind the scenes, keeping the club running week after week. That contribution is reflected in the club’s volunteers. In fact, the last two recipients of Pride Park FC’s Volunteer of the Year Award have been women.

Karen Kitahara received the award in the 2023/24 season for her work as Club Welfare Officer alongside providing invaluable administrative support for the Bobcats. Last year’s award was shared by Corinne Jones, who, alongside Aaron Jones, was recognised for her unwavering dedication to what is now the club’s Women’s Development team.

Across the club, many women play a vital role in ensuring everything runs smoothly.
This includes Marianne Bruckshaw, our Treasurer, who ensures the club’s finances are managed effectively and that we can meet our commitments. We are also supported by Angie Harper, who advises the Committee on equality matters, as well as our welfare team including Blanca De La Parra, our new Club Welfare Officer, and Rachel Weaver, our Adult Welfare Officer.

On the pitch, volunteers like Sophie Brown, who until recently coached our Under 14s, have helped develop the next generation of players. Meanwhile Kierah Hudson and Jo Rome lead our recreational Just Play sessions, helping more women access football in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Behind the scenes, other volunteers are helping to plan upcoming events such as the club’s Junior Fun Day in July, continuing to build a strong and supportive community around the club.

Giving Time to Grow the Game
Volunteers are at the heart of grassroots football. Across Pride Park FC, people contribute their time in many different ways, whether through coaching, organising sessions, supporting matchdays or helping run the club behind the scenes.

These contributions do more than keep the club running. They help create a space where players can build confidence, friendships and a lifelong love for football.

Football is a game for everyone, but we know many women face barriers when stepping forward to get involved, whether due to family commitments, work responsibilities or simply confidence.

At Pride Park FC, we are committed to empowering women and girls so they can play, grow and compete in football in a safe and enjoyable environment where everyone has the opportunity to be the best they can be. Our volunteers are critical to achieving that vision. By giving their time, they help foster community spirit and create opportunities for growth through football, both on and off the pitch.

Get Involved
This International Women’s Day, Pride Park FC is encouraging more women to get involved in supporting the club and helping the women’s game continue to grow in Derby.

We’d love to have more women actively involved in the running of the club, whether as team representatives on the Committee, helping team managers with team administration, supporting events, fundraising or marketing. It could be helping with social media, either directly or by feeding news and content to our media team, assisting with facility bookings, or providing first aid support on matchdays.

You might also be able to help ensure we have the minimum number of qualified adults available for training and matches to go ahead by completing basic safeguarding and emergency aid training, supporting the lead coach when one of the regular volunteers isn’t available.

We’d love to have at least one female volunteer supporting each team, especially within our younger age groups, helping to provide encouragement and support for the players both on and off the pitch.

If you would like to know more about any of these roles, or explore other ways you could help by giving a little of your time, knowledge or experience, please speak to your team manager (or the lead coach for Wildcats or Just Play) in the first instance, or contact club secretary David Kwiatek at secretary@prideparkfc.com.

Because when we give to support women’s football, everyone gains stronger communities, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for the next generation of players.