Sharon Dale from Derby County Community Trust

This interview features Sharon Dale, who is the Health Manager at the English football club, Derby County FC. The interview is part of our Women in Football campaign, which focuses on creating visibility for women working in the football industry.

  1. What do you like the most about working in football?  

Variety within my role, partnership working, working as a team.

2. Was it difficult for you to make your way in football?

No, however, I think this is because I was originally brought in to develop a girls-only none related football programme around increasing physical activity amongst teenage girls. 

3. Did you have any (female) role models when you were younger?

My sister-in-law, who was a Public Health specialist and very much around supporting women to unleash their potential. 

4. Which advice would you give to a girl that would like to work in football?

There are many roles within the football industry, explore them all, as you don’t need to be a footballer or even like watching football to be involved/employed by a club.

5. What was the biggest challenge that you face during your career?  

Being a mixed-race, female with dyslexia wanting to fulfill my own potential. At school, I was put down at all points and told I should try to find a factory job!! 

6. What are the biggest changes that you have recognised when it comes to Women in football?  

More opportunities for women, more than just the game, males in the industry recognising women as leaders.


You can find the overview with all role models here.

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