Carlisle United are proud to celebrate International Women's Day with this Saturday's game against AFC Wimbledon, the club's dedicated Her Game Too fixture.
As a football club rooted in the community, this is an incredible opportunity to highlight the contributions of women both on and off the pitch.
The club recognise the importance of empowering women and promoting equality in sport and society.
Football has the power to inspire change, so we believe that recognising and celebrating the achievements of women, whether they are players, coaches, volunteers, or community leaders, helps to create an inclusive and equitable future for the game.
This year, we have interviewed inspirational women within our club and community to be showcased on CUTV.
The selected women will be conducting a talk on their journeys in our study centre on Saturday from 12pm - 1:15pm.
They are as follows:
Julie Minns – Labour MP for Carlisle
A voice for Carlisle on the national stage, Julie Minns has been representing the local community as the city's MP in parliament since the summer of 2024.
She is an experienced parliamentary advisor, policy maker, charity campaigner and passionate advocate for issues that affect Carlisle.
Maryann Liddle – Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Spiral
In 2016, Maryann Liddle set up the anti-bullying charity Spiral, who work with those aged eight to 25 and their families who face the challenges of bullying.
She works as a councillor supporting young people who use the service.
Esther Allen – Elim Community Church
As one of the church missionaries, Esther Little has supported their overseas work in Paraguay and the Philippines, aiding lives across the world.
She is also a vital part of many local projects the church participates in helping people of all ages in the local community.
Georgia Smethurst – Player Development Lead Carlisle United Community Sports Trust Girls Emerging Talent Centre
With a passion for developing the Women's game in the region, Georgia Smethurst has worked in various roles for organisations such as the Football Association, Carlisle College and Carlisle United Community Sports Trust.
She has shown fantastic commitment to player development and is crucial in her role with CUFC CST's Girls ETC.
Dawn Hawker – Member of Carlisle United Community Sports Trust Veterans Group and Committee Member of the Royal British Legion
A former active servicewoman, Dawn Harker was part of the Women's Royal Army Corps and is now North-West Women's co-ordinator for the WRAC.
She is heavily involved in Veterans' work in the local area and is part of a group which is a pivotal support for that particular community.
Sarah McKnight – Carlisle United Club Secretary and Matchday Safeguarding Officer
With over 30 years of service to Carlisle United, Sarah McKnight joined the club in 1994 and has grown to become a vital member of the administration staff.
She has shown fantastic loyalty and commitment to the club across her many years of work.
Sophie Birnie - Head Physiotherapist
An experienced football physio having previously worked at the likes of Wigan, Blackburn, Manchester United and Liverpool among others.
She is a vital part of the first-team backroom staff at the club.
The partnership with Her Game Too will be showcased on the day and participants and coaches from CUFC CST's Girls ETC invited to the game to do a lap of honour at half-time.
There will also be a Her Game Too selfie frame in the fan zone and the players will warm up in Her Game Too t-shirts.
Through these efforts, we aim to highlight the vital role women play in football and beyond.
EDI Lead for the Club and Community Sports Trust Teresa Mulholland said: "Football is for everyone, and International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the inspirational women in our club and community.
"We hope to encourage the next generation to pursue their passion, whether in sport or any other field.
"We invite our fans, players, and partners to join us in recognising the outstanding achievements of the women in our community who make a difference every day."
Carlisle United Her Game Too Ambassador Nataly Mason added: "I am looking forward to seeing all the young girls come down, enjoy the atmosphere and watch the football.
"Women's football is moving a fast-moving train, but there is space for everybody on board!"
There will be a feature on the event on CUTV.
