Protected: Goal Click: The Global Story of Women’s Football in 2019

Goal Click is a global storytelling project, finding inspirational people from around the world to tell personal stories about themselves, their community and their country through football – all from their own perspective, using disposable analogue cameras and their own words.

In 2019, Goal Click documented the journeys of some of the world’s best players to the Women’s World Cup, as well as the stories of internationals, professionals and grassroots players from around the world. The images provide a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the lives and stories of players, at their clubs and on international duty.

Instagram: @goalclick | Twitter: @Goal_Click

Photo by Caitlin Foord, Australia and Portland Thorns

Miranda Nild

Thailand and Gintra Universiteta

“Football means a lot to me, it’s essentially what made me who I am. My character, confidence, pride, passion has all stemmed from football. Football has taught me amazing things in life. How to work hard, face adversity, solve problems in a calm collected way, be professional and show empathy, include others. ”

Alanna Kennedy

Australia and Orlando Pride

“Female football in Australia has a long way to go. Over the past 4-5 years it has taken huge steps forward. My message for the next generation would be to chase their dreams relentlessly and enjoy every moment. ”

Beth Mead

England and Arsenal

“The photos were taken at the Arsenal training ground featuring my teammates. I first started playing when I was 6 at my local village Hinderwell on a Saturday morning with all the boys. Football is my life, it’s my passion and I’m the luckiest girl in the world to call it my job. ”

Fernanda Pinilla

Chile and Santa Teresa CD

“Some sacrifices were to miss important things, like family celebrations or changing school, so that the training schedules did not clash with classes. As an adult, things become even more difficult, because in Chile women’s football is not paid, it is not professional, so I had to find a way to study and work without stopping training. ”

Hedvig Lindahl

Sweden and Chelsea

“I tried to catch moments that might not make it onto any other platforms otherwise, like when my little boy is stepping onto the plane. It is clear that family are affected by our choice of career. The photo that shows a camera crew creating a documentary speaks volumes about how far the women’s game has come. ”

Jenny Bitzer

Germany and AS Roma

“The photos were meant to capture moments of everyday life at AS Roma, moments before, during, and after training sessions. To the next generation of young female footballers, I would like to say: Work hard. Believe in yourself. Don’t listen to people who try to put you or women’s football down. ”

Loes Geurts

Netherlands and Goteborg

“Football means a lot to me. It has shaped me into the person I am today. It taught me discipline, respect, teamwork, perseverance and fun. My message to young players: Play for the fun and love for the game. Play with passion, and learn from your mistakes. That way dreams can be realised. ”

Steph Catley

Australia and Reign FC

“I have a pretty good grip on my relationship with football. I’m so grateful for it and for everything it has brought me. It’s my passion, my favourite thing in the world to do and it also happens to be my career. But I’m also very aware that it’s a short career, it’s not a forever identity or something I can always lean on. ”

Lucy Bronze

England and Olympique Lyonnais

“Football is just my life. It’s how I made friends. It’s how I get to be myself. If I was a young girl growing up now in football, I would be so excited with all the possibilities out there. If you love playing and you love the game, then don’t stop and don’t give up. There are opportunities everywhere to be part of the game you love. ”

Stine Hovland

Norway and A.C. Milan

“I started to play football when I was six years old and it has been my passion since. For me football is joy and many, many friendships. It has cost me a lot of time with friends and family throughout the years, but it has all been worth it when I end up playing for Norway, and represent my country in a World Cup. ”

Tamires

Brazil and Corinthians

“Football was always my passion. Everything that I have today is because of football and I thank god every day for this gift. For the next generation, never let someone say that football is not for you. Follow your dream, believe in yourself, you can do whatever you want, and you are the only one that can achieve your goal. Be yourself and think bigger! ”

Sam Mewis

USA and North Carolina Courage

“When I think about the women who are leading the fight for equality and the growth of the women’s game, I feel our future is in good hands. I hope that people who have the means to contribute to the game on a global scale feel that women’s football would be a good investment. I hope we see equality in many countries, leagues, companies, and federations. ”

Mariana Larroquette

Argentina and UAI Urquiza

“Playing in the World Cup was a dream come true. I felt emotions I had never felt. The three goal recovery against Scotland was the best thing that has happened in our football careers. I swapped shirts with Erin Cuthbert after the match, because I saw her crying a lot and I was beside her trying to comfort her. ”

Katie Rood

New Zealand and Lewes FC

“Football for me is a sense of challenge and freedom. The challenge comes from working with my teammates to unlock the opposition and trying to get the ball in the back of the net. There’s so much joy to be had in doing that. The sense of freedom comes from being grateful for the ability I have to move my body in the way I want. ”

Kelly O’Hara

USA and Utah Royals

“Football is the greatest sport on earth. I hope that the generations that come after I am done playing continue to push the sport forward and get even more respect and attention that they deserve. A lot goes into making change happen. ”

Lauren Silver

Jamaica and SK Trondheims-Ørn

“The photos feature my teammates from Norway. I tried to show the diverse countries, climates, and people that football allows me to experience. Opportunities for female players are slim in Jamaica, so what we have done as the national team is massive. We are paving the way for young Jamaican footballers. ”

Aline Reis

Brazil and UDG Tenerife

“My name is Aline Reis and I’m about to play in my first World Cup. Football has given me so much. My life would have never been what it is today without football, even with every prejudice, adversity and precarious condition I’ve faced along the way. ”

With thanks to Goal Click and all of the players who shared their photographs and stories. Find out more about the Goal Click project on their website: www.goal-click.com.

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Miranda Nild

Alanna Kennedy

Beth Mead

Fernanda Pinilla

Hedvig Lindahl

Jenny Bitzer

Loes Geurts

Steph Catley

Lucy Bronze

Stine Hovland

Tamires

Sam Mewis

Mariana Larroquette

Katie Rood

Kelly O’Hara

Lauren Silver

Aline Reis