Within football, there are so many rooms that need women in

In this bold declaration, Leah Williamson speaks of the urgent need for women in positions of power within the world of football. She reminds us that the game is not only played on the pitch but shaped in countless hidden spaces — boardrooms, strategy meetings, and decision-making halls. These are the rooms where policies are crafted, opportunities are given or withheld, and the future of the sport is decided. By calling for women to hold power in these places, Leah shines a light on the imbalance that has long existed and the change required to bring true equality to the game.

Her words reflect a deep understanding of history. For centuries, football — like many institutions — has been dominated by men, both on and off the field. Even as women fought for the right to play, they were often excluded from the conversations that governed the sport’s growth. This exclusion created a cycle where female voices were silenced, and decisions were made without considering their perspectives. Leah’s call is not merely about representation; it is about justice and ensuring that football reflects the diversity and passion of all who love it.

A powerful historical parallel can be found in the rise of Billie Jean King, who transformed the world of tennis through her fight for gender equality. When she demanded equal prize money for women, she was not simply fighting for herself but for every female athlete denied recognition. Her leadership outside the court reshaped the sport forever. Leah’s words carry the same spirit: that women must not only play the game but help govern it, bringing balance to a system that has too often been built by and for men alone.

The metaphor of “rooms” also speaks to the hidden nature of power. Matches are seen by millions, but the decisions that make those matches possible are made behind closed doors. If women are absent from those rooms, their needs, ideas, and visions remain unheard. This creates a sport that grows in strength physically but remains weak morally. By placing women in these spaces, football can become not only more inclusive but also wiser, as diversity of thought leads to innovation and fairness.

Thus, Leah’s reflection is both a challenge and a prophecy. If football truly wishes to embody the values of teamwork, unity, and perseverance, it must open its doors to women at every level of leadership. For when women rise to positions of power, they do not only uplift themselves — they create pathways for generations to come. In this way, the beautiful game can become more than a sport: it can be a beacon of equality, showing the world what is possible when every voice is heard and every player, on or off the pitch, is valued.