Following the Lionesses’ Euros win in 2022, there has been a 56% increase in the number of women and girls participating in football, with 77% of schools now providing equal access to football for girls. This has been supported by the announcement of £68.4 million in government funding to improve grassroots facilities, aiming to sustain the growth of the women’s game. The Lionesses then backed up their 2022 victory by retaining the trophy this recent summer.

I sat down with the Cambridge University Women’s Blues Football Captain, Lara Branston, to discuss the progression of the women’s game, her footballing experience, and sporting inspirations.

To start, you have achieved an amazing feat in captaining the Blues. Could you talk to me about your footballing journey?

Since I can remember, I’ve always played with my brother and my dad. When I was in year five, my family moved to the US, where football is massive. My friend, who was also from England, asked me to play in their five-a-side team as they were short of numbers. I was probably very bad…

After moving back to England, I joined Wargrave Women and Girls FC near Reading and had the opportunity to play football at school. I attended a state school where football was the main sport, and we had a really good set of girls’ football teams. I had the privilege of captaining our 1st team in Year 13 and playing for Reading FC Development throughout secondary school. At university, I have played a variety of positions but am currently sitting at central defensive midfield. I’m hoping to pursue a master’s here in Cambridge after finishing my degree in geography.

“She is so eloquent when talking about football and her former teammates as a pundit.”

Who was your favourite footballer growing up?

I would have to say Jill Scott. I remember I once went to an England game when I first started playing football properly and she was always doing something exciting, getting involved and disrupting play. Nowadays, I also think she is so eloquent when talking about football and her former teammates as a pundit.

This century, we have seen some trailblazing female athletes transcend their respective sports. Who would you describe as your sporting hero?

Probably Allyson Felix. We would always be glued as a family watching the athletics on television. There is even a photo of Allyson Felix and I from a Diamond League event. She has been a real advocate for women in sport post-pregnancy, especially regarding sponsorship deals and highlighting how difficult they can be to maintain during this period.

Following the Lionesses’ back-to-back Euros wins, how can these significant achievements be a force for change and inspiration? 

Firstly, they provide considerable representation, which means people now believe what they dream is possible. More people are going to watch these games at pubs and talk about players like Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo. This success is important for young girls who want to participate in football.

Additionally, the funding and sponsorship will hopefully improve and help sustain football clubs as a result of these wins. If we reach a point where girls consistently start playing at a really young age, the quality and standard of women’s football will be transformative. The earlier that girls play football, the more clubs become accessible, and the more sponsorship there will be. I believe the London City Lionesses are championing what women’s football should look like.

Shifting the focus to Cambridge, how would you describe the environment within CUAFC's women’s side?

It is incredibly inclusive and accepting. I believe this is cultivated from the top down by individuals who hold inclusionary stances, as well as the attitudes of the amazing players we have year on year. This is a massive strength of the club.

“On the pitch, people are looking to you to set the tone, and if you’re down, the only way to look is up”

What is your philosophy as captain?

It is important to lift each other up on and off the pitch, in training and in matches. I want to create an environment where players are excited to play. Emphasising quality and encouragement within a training session is equally important. On the pitch, people are looking to you to set the tone, and if you’re down, the only way to look is up. I believe in respecting your teammates whilst holding each other to account.

What is your prediction for this year’s Varsity game?

My confidence for Varsity is up, and I think it will be a very close game and will be one of the most thrilling games we have seen in a long time. All of my positive energy is going towards getting a win.

How can women get more involved in Women’s Football here at Cambridge?

Make sure to follow @cuafc on Instagram, find the details for your college football captains, and feel free to reach out to me personally if you want to get involved. Be sure to keep an eye out for tournament opportunities next term!