Off The Pitch
After the collapse: Frida Maanum, mental health and the pressure of the modern women's football
What Frida Maanum’s Collapse Revealed About Women’s Football. The Arsenal midfielder’s collapse during the 2024 League Cup final became part of a much larger conversation around pressure, visibility and mental health in the women’s game
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The decision that defined her career. Oranjee hero Groenen and her judo story
Kategorie: Hobbies and life off the pitchMost of today’s generation of professional footballers grew up in a world where women’s football was not fully professional and where there was no guarantee it ever would be. For many, that meant dividing their time between multiple sports. And Jackie Groenen had big future in judo. But, she got an ultimatum.
Focus on the pitch, relax in the paddock: These footballers are F1 enthusiasts
Kategorie: Hobbies and life off the pitchFormula 1 has become one of the biggest global phenomena in sport today. The runaway success of Drive to Survive, booming trading card sales, and the ever-growing popularity of drivers, many of whom have reached true global celebrity status, all underline its appeal. The sport also attracts some of the world’s biggest sponsors, while broadcasting rights continue to reach astronomical figures. So, which players feel closest to the world of F1, and which drivers top their list of favourites?
From hand-me-downs to bespoke kits. How women’s football kits have changed over time
Kategorie: Style and FashionWomen’s football kits have undergone a major transformation, reflecting the rapid growth of the game. What was once second-hand and ill-fitting has become more tailored, practical and player-focused.
Famous faces, real impact: Celebrities stepping into women’s football
Kategorie: CommunityWomen’s football is growing and gaining popularity fast. It’s also finding fans among celebrities. Whether through direct investment in clubs or public support for the women’s game, these high-profile figures are leading by example. Queenballers takes a look at some of them.
England’s new name to know: Lucia Kendall’s rapid rise from Southampton to the Lionesses
Kategorie: Hobbies and life off the pitchBreaking into the England national football team setup is never easy - but Lucia Kendall has made it look exactly that. The 21-year-old Aston Villa midfielder has quickly caught the attention of Sarina Wiegman with her energetic and composed performances in the Women's Super League this season. But while she looks like the complete footballer, it wasn’t always football for the youngster from Winchester.
I came for a game, I found Bajen. Story of how women's football can be more than sport
Kategorie: CommunityToday’s Off the Pitch comes in a slightly different format than you might be used to on Queenballers. This time, we’re turning the spotlight on the Bajens — the fans of Stockholm-based club Hammarby. And since I am one of them, it only feels natural to tell their story from my own perspective.
Norway's midtbaneterrier Thea Bjelde and the Art of Coming Back
Kategorie: Regeneration, Injury, RecoveryYou’re 18. You’ve just helped your team to a bronze medal in Norway’s Toppserien. You have been nominated Young Player of the Year. Everything feels like it’s falling into place — a career opening up in front of you, a path that could one day follow the likes of Caroline Graham Hansen or Maren Mjelde. And then, suddenly, it stops. The diagnosis every footballer fears: an ACL injury.
