Erica Parkinson’s mindset coach Martin Fairn explains the importance of mental preparation in football
How much attention do we really pay to the mental side of football, particularly when it comes to young players?
It’s easy to focus on talent, technical ability and performances on the pitch, but what happens when a young player has to deal with the expectations that come with reaching the highest level, the pressure to constantly prove themselves and the scrutiny that comes with playing the game professionally?
These are some of the questions Sports News Blitz sub-editor Nicole Powell explored in a recent interview with Martin Fairn, co-founder and CEO of Gazing Red2Blue.
Women’s Club World Cup 2028: FIFA’s global ambitions face a test over player welfare
FIFA’s decision to stage the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in the United States in 2028 marks a significant milestone for women’s football - but concerns over fixture congestion threaten to overshadow the tournament well before it begins, writes Sports News Blitz’s Alice Rowhan.
Announced on Thursday, October 22, the 19-team tournament will run from January 5-30 in 2028, bringing together clubs from all six continental confederations for the first time of a global competition at this level.
Seven clubs have already qualified, including Arsenal, Club América Femenil, Barcelona, Gotham FC, Naegohyang from North Korea, Corinthians and Wuhan Jiangda.
The further 12 clubs are yet to be decided.
England Women: Sarina Wiegman leaves out Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly for Greece play-off
England Women manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece.
However, there are two notable omissions, with Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly both missing out.
European Athletics introduces new guidelines to protect female athletes from sexualised TV coverage
European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have introduced new broadcasting guidelines aimed at reducing the sexualisation of female athletes during television coverage.
The recommendations encourage broadcasters to focus on athletic performance rather than camera angles or slow-motion replays that unnecessarily draw attention to athletes' bodies.
The move comes after years of complaints from competitors who said certain broadcast images had left them feeling uncomfortable and had even led to online abuse.
Women are driving a new era of sports growth as female viewership numbers continue to increase
The number of women watching sport is growing – and the statistics are there to back it up. From the ashes of Heated Rivalry and Formula 1: Drive to Survive rise female sport fans, who are loyal and ready for sporting fun.
They not only aid consumer statistics and records, but also expand the realms of diversity, virality, and financial stability. Here, Sports News Blitz writer Katie Butler unpacks the growth of female viewership within sport.
Women’s sport analysis: 64% of girls drop sport by 16 - Is this their choice?
Asics found that 64% of girls drop sports by the age of 16, but don’t accept that girls don’t want to play.
Sports News Blitz writer Abbie Latymer investigates whether girls have no interest in sport - or whether there are barriers stopping them from continuing.
WSL news: England captain Leah Williamson extends her stay with Arsenal
Lionesses captain Leah Williamson has signed a new contract with Arsenal, continuing her two-decade journey with the club.
Arsenal officially confirmed that Williamson, 29, will remain with the team for the next few years.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Abbie Latymer looks back at her rise to stardom.
F1 vs NFL: Two sports, one question over women’s place at the top
For years, girls were pushed away from muddy pitches and roaring engines, guided instead toward something “more appropriate”, writes Sports News Blitz’s Francesca O’Callaghan.
Fast forward to 2026, is that written narrative beginning to smudge, like ink on a page, or are we pretending that the sporting world is changing without reality fully catching up to it?
Take Formula 1 and the NFL.
Blancpain GT Endurance Series winner Abbie Eaton on breaking her back and racing again
Abbie Eaton has built her name in one of the hardest environments in sport.
A championship-winning British racing driver, she became the first female winner of the Blancpain GT Endurance Series, raced in W Series, and later co-founded Rebelleo Motorsport to challenge some of the barriers that still shape entry into the sport.
In this exclusive interview with the London Keynote Speakers Agency, Abbie Eaton reflects on the setbacks that tested her, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and why confidence, diversity and accountability matter just as much off the track as they do on it.
Chelsea keep Women’s FA Cup title defence alive with late win over Spurs
Chelsea kept their Women’s FA Cup defence alive with a late 2-1 victory over Tottenham, booking their place in the semi-finals after a hard-fought contest at Kingsmeadow.
England women news: Leah Williamson warns players could strike over scheduling concerns
England women's captain Leah Williamson has refused to rule out the possibility of players taking strike action if concerns over scheduling and player welfare are ignored.
Speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, Williamson highlighted the pressures on players, warning that fixture congestion is contributing to rising injury rates in the women’s game.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse takes a closer look at why female footballers may feel forced to take a stand against a packed calendar.
England women squad news: Who’s in and who’s out for the World Cup qualifiers?
England captain Leah Williamson and forward Lauren James headline a number of high-profile returns in Sarina Wiegman’s latest 25-player squad for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
The build-up has been shaped by persistent injury concerns and important recalls that have forced the England manager to be cautious when making her selections.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse breaks down the key talking points from England’s latest squad announcement, taking a closer look at the notable inclusions and absences shaping Wiegman’s plans.
Everton Women: Sacking of Brian Sorensen signals change of direction amid WSL relegation fears
Everton Women sacked manager Brian Sorensen earlier this week as pressure mounted following the inconsistency that has dragged the team into an unnecessary relegation battle in the Women’s Super League.
Having been in charge since 2022, signing a contract extension until 2027 as recently as last April, Sorensen’s departure came as a shock to many surrounding the club despite the growing concern about Everton’s league position.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse reflects on Sorensen’s dismissal and the direction the club plans to take next.
How Sara Cox Rewrote the Rules of Authority in Men’s Sport
Sara Cox MBE is one of the most pioneering figures in modern rugby union and a leading voice among female inspirational speakers, known for breaking barriers in a sport long dominated by men.
Over more than a decade at the elite level, Sara’s journey has taken her from grassroots rugby to the global stage, officiating at the Olympic Games, Rugby World Cups and top-tier international fixtures. Her rise was not defined by shortcuts or symbolic milestones, but by consistency, credibility and performance under pressure in environments where scrutiny is unforgiving.
In this exclusive interview with the High Performance Speakers Agency, Sara Cox reflects on overcoming resistance, building confidence in male-dominated environments, and why visible female representation in sport remains critical for the next generation.
England women to host Iceland at Nottingham Forest in World Cup Qualifier
England’s women’s national team have confirmed Nottingham Forest’s City Ground as the venue for their first home FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying match against Iceland on Saturday, March 7.
The match kicks off at 12.30pm GMT and will be a key early test in the Lionesses’ bid to reach the next World Cup in Brazil.
Chelsea women bounce back with convincing 3-0 win over Brighton
Chelsea Women ended their final Women’s Super League (WSL) match of 2025 in strong fashion by defeating Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday, December 14.
The Blues returned to winning ways after their first league defeat in 34 games last week, a loss to Everton that ended their remarkable unbeaten run.
How Emily Campbell became a trailblazer for women in strength sports
In this exclusive interview with Champions Olympic Speakers Agency, Emily reflects on the moments that shaped her career, the challenges she has overcome and the lessons she hopes to pass on to aspiring athletes.
How elite mindset shapes everyday success: An interview with Heather Fisher
In a world where success is often measured by medals and record times, Heather Fisher offers a compelling reminder: resilience, mindset and integrity matter far more than trophies.
As a former elite athlete turned powerful advocate for personal growth and leadership, she embodies the values of grit, authenticity and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Her journey - from back-breaking injury and recovery to redefining what it means to win - shows that true strength lies in rebuilding, self-belief and harnessing adversity as fuel for growth. As a female motivational speaker, Heather speaks with rare authority to anyone seeking not just professional success, but personal transformation.
In this exclusive interview with the London Keynote Speakers Agency, Heather Fisher opens up about the core qualities of a winning mindset, the tough road to recovery, and how elite sport principles can reshape the way we lead our lives and businesses.
Chief padel addict Andi Neugarten-Maio talks 6LoveSports and female padel, says, ‘It’s a way of connecting’
Gender disparity has always been an issue in professional sports. Tennis, football, and athletics have all faced issues with gender equality.
Padel, on the other hand, is embracing and calling for women’s involvement in the sport. Investment in female padel is growing from grassroots to professional.
Sports News Blitz’s Vanely Barumire sat down with one of the biggest names helping bring female padel to the forefront - Andi Neugarten-Maio.
“Visibility and recognition” – the growing investment in women’s padel
The WTA Finals are underway, marking the end of the 2024/25 tennis season.
This year’s circuit has produced plenty of thrilling matches and stories, from young prodigy Victoria Mboko’s meteoric rise, to Coco Gauff’s domination on hard courts, and Aryna Sabalenka’s consistent, impressive form - writes Sports News Blitz’s Vanely Barumire.
The Riyadh Open also marks the second year of a three-year deal with the Saudi Tennis Federation to host the WTA Finals in the Middle East.