Sophie Downey and Rachel O'Sullivan (interviewed by Thom Airs) on Transforming Women's Football from Visibility to Vibrant Growth - A Live Special from Emirates Stadium in London

Don't Forget Your Tickets

Can Women’s Football Rival the Global Impact of the Men’s Game?

The growth of women’s football has been nothing short of remarkable—but how far can it go? In this episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets, recorded live at Emirates Stadium, Thom Airs sit down with Sophie Downey and Rachel O’Sullivan, the duo behind Girls on the Ball, who have spent over a decade covering 1,000+ matches worldwide. From the 2012 Olympics to England’s Euros triumph, they’ve witnessed firsthand how visibility and investment are transforming the sport, despite historical challenges like the 50-year ban.

Sophie and Rachel discuss the sport’s start-up-like growth, the importance of challenging outdated stereotypes, and new opportunities for marketing, branding, and fan engagement. Can women’s football tap into Gen Z audiences, redefine stadium experiences, and unlock fresh commercial potential?

Join us for a fascinating conversation about the future of the game—and the bold moves that could take it to the next level.

This Live Special episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets was recorded at the Don't Forget Your Tickets conference at Emirates Stadium, January 23rd 2025, as the fifth out of 12 on-stage interviews that day. Girlsontheball was interviewed by Thom Airs.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Chapters

1. Sophie Downey and Rachel O'Sullivan (interviewed by Thom Airs) on Transforming Women's Football from Visibility to Vibrant Growth - A Live Special from Emirates Stadium in London (00:00:00)

2. Women's Football Growth and Future (00:00:02)

3. Innovations and Growth in Women's Football (00:11:07)

4. Women's Football (00:21:18)