Sunday 8th March is International Women's Day on which the Ladies play a home match with FC Viking Valkyries at Crown Meadow, before that Darrell Allen caught up with Captain Charnelle Riggall and fellow role model Lucy Eagle to gather their thoughts on what International Women's Day means to them and so much more,

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

Charnelle Riggall: It's about celebrating the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality and raising awareness about discrimination.

Lucy Eagle: International Women's Day to me means taking a moment to appreciate the women who have shaped my life while also recognising the strength, resilience, and quiet determination women show every day. It is both a celebration of identity and diversity, and a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality, fairness, and opportunity for all. The day connects me to a global community, honoring the achievements of women across cultures and generations, while encouraging reflection on how I can support, uplift, and advocate for progress in meaningful ways.

We regularly hear many cases of derogatory comments being made to prominent female footballing presenters and pundits. What difficulties have you experienced in pursuing your own footballing careers?

Charnelle: Unfortunately you always get derogatory comments, it's always been that way since I started playing football. Might be as simple as - "You have a good shot for a girl" or " I didn't realise the girls game was so physical". Or my pet peeve "the girls game is so much slower than the men's game". I think what people don't realise is that these comments that people think are shedding positivity in the women's game actually undermine it. It creates a negative feeling, almost as if we are not "supposed" to be playing the sport.

Lucy: When the England women's national football team won the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 and then reached another final at UEFA Women's Euro 2025, it was a powerful statement about dedication, growth, and excellence in the sport. Yet some critics still try to diminish these achievements by saying that women's football is "easier" than men's. That argument misses the point entirely. Success in any elite sport requires relentless training, tactical intelligence, resilience under pressure, and extraordinary teamwork. The level of commitment, sacrifice, and skill these athletes demonstrate is undeniable, regardless of comparisons. Sport is not about measuring women against men — it is about celebrating achievement, inspiring future generations, and recognizing greatness on its own terms.

There is no doubt that women's sport is more in the public eye than ever before – but there is still an awful long way to go in terms of equality. What do you believe are the priorities in this area to develop further?

Charnelle: It most certainly is seeing great progress in the coverage of women's football. I think the priorities need to be to continue to promote women's football in all areas of the pyramid. The success begins at the bottom of the pyramid, ensuring that players have a stable platform to play and enjoy the sport, developing that love that will in turn, turn into success as they progress through. I think that clubs need to continue to advertise their women's and girls teams, share their achievements and provide a safe playing environment.

Lucy: To further establish women's sport, key priorities must include sustained investment, equal access to facilities and resources, and consistent media coverage that treats women's competitions as elite sport rather than a novelty. Increased grassroots funding is essential so that young girls have the same pathways, coaching quality, and competitive opportunities as boys from an early age. Fair pay structures and professional contracts also matter, as financial security allows athletes to train and compete at the highest level.

In terms of equality – what do you believe specifically needs to happen at Lowestoft's own level of the sport, in terms of funding, opportunities, representative football etc?

Charnelle: I think Lowestoft do a fantastic job in ensuring that we do have equal opportunities on and off the pitch. We have seen fantastic coverage on social media platforms. We have been welcomed to the club with open arms and I believe that as we grow as a team, moving into higher leagues, the club will continue to support us.

Lucy: I firmly believe that Lowestoft Town F.C, as a club, treats the women's team with the same level of respect and consideration as the men's team. There is a clear commitment to inclusion and support across both sections of the club.

However, there remains an ongoing structural difference in that the men's team players are paid, whereas the women's team players are not. Currently, the men's team competes at Step 4 while the women's side competes just one level below regional football at the very top of the Norfolk Women's and Girls' Football League structure.

This naturally raises an important question: should the women's team progress to regional football, would they then receive equal recognition in terms of payment for playing? In other words, is remuneration determined by league status alone, or are there other structural factors that would influence this decision?

This is not intended as criticism, but rather as a constructive and forward-looking discussion about what true equality would look like if both teams were competing at the regional level within the football pyramid as the women's team would then have similar travelling distances for away games.

The theme of this year's International Women's Day is #GivetoGain. Who for you are the greatest female role models in terms of those who have in the past, or are presently challenging the status quo?

Charnelle: Megan Rapinoe has used her online platform to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and gender pay equality.

Simone Biles, although not specifically for gender equality, withdrew from the 2020 Olympics to prioritise her mental health. I think this was a statement that showed others that it's ok to not be ok.

Lucy: For me, it's got to be Lucy Bronze from a footballing side of things. Lucy Bronze is a powerful role model because she combines elite talent with outstanding resilience and commitment to her country. A key example of this was when she played through a significant injury for England, demonstrating remarkable mental and physical strength to support her team on the international stage. Her determination, professionalism, and pride in representing her nation inspire young girls to pursue sport with confidence, ambition, and belief in their own abilities.

In terms of encouraging further change and open minded attitudes, high profile female personalities (in sport) are hugely important. As a child, who did you look up to?

Charnelle: From a young age I've always looked up to Rachel Yankey. Since her success at Arsenal she is a known advocate for gender equality and has recently also set up the Rachel Yankey Foundation which focuses on making football more accessible for girls aged 11–16 which are the key years on a persons journey to adult football.
Lucy: Growing up, I looked up to Kelly Smith because she was one of the most recognisable figures in women's football during my childhood. She represented England at a time when the women's game had far less visibility, funding, and support than it does today, yet she consistently performed at the highest level. Her technical ability, determination, and commitment to the Lionesses showed that women could compete with passion and excellence despite the challenges around them. She paved the way for future generations and helped inspire young girls like me to believe there was a place for us in football.

As a footballer at the present time with Lowestoft are you aware of the fact that young girls are watching you as a potential role model and hero? What importance do you attach to that?

Charnelle: I think as being Captain of Lowestoft Ladies, I know naturally that is a position that will be looked up to. I am grateful to be in this position and I don't take it lightly. I know that the pathway from an early age is absolutely paramount to the success of the ladies team as those players will grow up to hopefully transition into the team. It is so important to send the right message to the younger players, representing the club in the right way and I take pride in doing that for the club. All I want is for the younger players to see what we have built as a team, seeing the success and team morale that we have worked so hard to create.

Lucy: The ladies team have been training alongside the Under 16 girls as part of the established player pathway within the club. This collaboration strengthens the development structure at LTFC, providing younger players with exposure to senior standards and creating a clear progression route into adult football. The women's team has attended a few under 16 fixtures in support, and in turn the girls have come to watch the ladies' matches, fostering a strong sense of unity and club identity. As a senior player within this pathway, I recognise the importance of acting as a positive role model for the Under 16s, demonstrating professionalism, commitment, and high standards both on and off the pitch. Maintaining a professional, supportive, and welcoming training environment is therefore essential in setting the right example and reinforcing the values expected throughout the club.

By Darrell Allen