In a heartfelt interview, Baroness Sue Campbell discusses her remarkable journey through women’s football, her triumphs with the Lionesses, and her personal battle with cancer. Her path began in childhood when she took unconventional steps to pursue her passion for football, hiding from her all-girls school to join the boys at a local primary school. Despite not being able to pursue a career in football initially, Campbell found success in netball, representing England, and later became a physical education teacher.
Her frustration with the lack of opportunities for girls in football resurfaced when she was approached by Martin Glenn, then chief executive of the Football Association (FA), in 2016. Although nearing retirement after her impactful tenure as chair of UK Sport during the London 2012 Olympics, Campbell could not resist the opportunity to lead the FA’s women’s football division. “Football is the most powerful brand we have to effect change,” she stated, as she dedicated herself to advancing the women’s game.
During her eight years at the FA, Campbell’s initiatives led to significant increases in female participation in football, with a reported 56% rise in women and girls playing the sport since 2020. Under her leadership, England appointed Sarina Wiegman as head coach, a move Campbell considers pivotal in the team’s success. The Lionesses went on to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, an achievement that Campbell felt could inspire countless young girls.
Reflecting on the Euro final, Campbell recalls her anxiety, admitting that it was “absolute agony.” She remembers sitting on the podium amidst 87,000 fans and questioning how many lives their victory had changed. “I wonder how many girls we’ve lit a light in today,” she mused.
However, shortly before the Lionesses embarked on their journey to the 2023 World Cup in Australia, Campbell received life-altering news: she had cancer. With treatment options presenting a conflict with her commitments to the team, she chose to delay treatment, confronting fears of the worst outcomes. “When you hear the ‘C’ word, you think you’re going to die,” she shared. Yet, her determination to continue her work with the Lionesses propelled her forward.
Now in remission, Campbell expresses gratitude for her recovery and reflects on the grit and resilience displayed by the England team during the World Cup. “I was proud of them,” she noted. As she embarks on a new chapter in her life, she remains passionate about the future of women’s football, emphasizing that she still has much work to do.
At 76, Campbell is stepping down from her role at the FA, leaving behind a legacy of progress. She is excited for her successor, Sue Day, and hopeful for the future of women’s sports. “If it was a 400m race, I’d say we’ve got out of the blocks well, we’ve got up the back straight, and we’ve still got the top bend and the home straight to do,” she explained.
Campbell’s journey has not only changed the landscape of women’s football but has also opened doors for countless young girls to pursue their dreams. “I hope I’ve changed a bit of that for some girls. They can become whatever they want to be,” she affirmed. With a heart full of determination, Campbell looks forward to new adventures, whether that be enjoying nature walks with her dog or continuing her advocacy for women’s rights in sports.
