Carla Ward: Game-changing leadership in women’s football

The Game Changers

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4M ago 46:30

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From jumpers for goalposts on a council estate to managing at the highest level of women’s football, Carla Ward’s journey is one of courage, resilience and breaking through barriers. Now leading the Republic of Ireland women’s national team with ambitions to reach the 2027 World Cup, Carla has navigated a fast rise from player to coach, defied expectations, and spoken openly about the reality of balancing a demanding football career with motherhood.

In this powerful episode of The Game Changers, Carla shares the unfiltered truth about life in football, leadership, and the challenges female coaches face in the modern game.

We talk about:

Growing up in grassroots football when girls’ teams didn’t exist
The emotional and brutal transition from player to manager overnight
Building winning teams through culture, unity and belief
Surviving the toughest jobs and proving doubters wrong
The sacrifices of coaching and the impact on family life
Why women coaches deserve more opportunities – and fair pay
Leading a national side and dreaming of World Cup success

An honest and eye-opening conversation about risk-taking, resilience and the fight for equality in women’s football.

Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers

Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production

Chapters

1. From Player to Manager: Carla's Journey (00:00:00)

2. Playing Career Highlights (00:09:11)

3. Transitioning to Coaching (00:16:18)

4. Balancing Motherhood and Coaching (00:25:03)

5. Leading Ireland's National Team (00:31:12)

6. The Future of Women's Coaching (00:37:05)

246 episodes

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