Equal Playing Field: Maggie Murphy's Mission to Elevate Women's Football
Maggie Murphy's journey is a testament to her passion for advocacy and change. Initially working in anti-corruption and human rights, Maggie's career took an unexpected turn into the world of football. Her global experiences in Africa, Germany, and the Netherlands, coupled with her impactful work at Amnesty International, laid the foundation for her transition. The FIFA corruption scandal in her early 30s was a pivotal moment that propelled her towards addressing governance and leadership issues within the sport.
Transition to Football and Early Involvement
Maggie's introduction to football advocacy began with Equal Playing Field, a non-profit she co-founded to champion equality and respect for women and girls in football. Her background in human rights seamlessly integrated with her new focus, emphasizing the importance of policy and governance. Her determination to challenge gender-based restrictions was evident even at the age of 12, when she fought to join a youth football club. This drive underscores her lifelong commitment to systemic change and transparency.
Challenges and Strategies in Advocacy and Governance
Understanding the intricacies of governance and politics has been crucial in Maggie's advocacy work. Whether navigating the UN, G20, or football organizations like the FA and FIFA, strategic decision-making is key. Maggie's experiences with Equal Playing Field and anti-corruption efforts highlight the necessity of building alliances and leveraging evidence to influence decision-makers. Her work underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in sports governance.
Founding and Impact of Equal Playing Field
Equal Playing Field's mission to promote equality in football has had a profound impact, highlighted by the Guinness World Record match on Kilimanjaro. This event united players across various levels to raise awareness and funds, fostering personal and professional growth among participants. Maggie's journey from this initiative to becoming a CEO of a football club reflects the broader impact of her work, increasing visibility and opportunities for women in football.
Maggie's Role at Lewes Football Club
As General Manager and later CEO of Lewes Football Club, Maggie has been driven by a desire to embody her values within the football industry. Balancing professional standards with volunteer passion presents challenges and rewards. Her leadership emphasizes transparency, accountability, integrity, and trust, impacting both the local community and the broader football industry.
True leadership is about transparency, accountability, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Maggie Murphy
Lewis FC's Values and Impact Report
Under Maggie's leadership, Lewis FC developed a club strategy and impact report to enhance transparency and trust with fans. This report showcases the club's commitment to governance, community engagement, and player development, setting a precedent for other clubs to follow in adopting similar practices.
Challenges and Successes at Lewis FC
Maggie reflects on the challenges and successes at Lewis FC, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining a positive and inclusive culture, especially with a volunteer-based team, requires flexibility and adaptability. Her leadership approach, rooted in integrity, serves as a model for other clubs aspiring to similar governance practices.
Maggie's Podcast Inspiration behind the “Expected Goals Podcast”
The "Unexpected Goals" podcast, focusing on women's football business, exemplifies Maggie's commitment to transparency and accountability. Balancing content creation with professional responsibilities, she emphasizes the importance of niche focus to build a dedicated audience and impact.
Personal Reflections and Career Highlights
Maggie reflects on her career highlights, including her father's pride in her leadership as Oxford University's football captain. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, continues to influence her current work and values. She envisions a future of continued advocacy, governance reform, and community engagement in women's football and the sports industry.
3 Tips for Football Industry Professionals
Embrace challenging environments and learn from them, even if they are toxic.
Build a supportive network for advice and constructive challenge.
Uphold accountability, avoiding excuses, and engage in honest self-assessment to lead effectively.
Unlock the secrets to a successful career in women's football! Explore the Women’s Football Career Podcast Playlist, featuring over 47 hours of expert sports career guidance.
Learn from the best in the field and elevate your career today.
Listen and Subscribe for FREE here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0FDLj15zox14oUKntwVRyu?si=8b21d127a4984527
