Erica Lockheimer’s Post

🌟 Elevate Girls' Football in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿⚽ Did you know that women's and girls' football is taking off in Wales like never before? 🚀 Football Association of Wales is leading the charge, and here's why YOUR brand should get involved: 1️⃣ Empowerment: Supporting women and girls in football empowers them on and off the pitch, fostering leadership, teamwork, and confidence. 2️⃣ Inclusivity: Football breaks barriers and unites communities. By sponsoring women's football, you're helping create a more inclusive sporting world. 3️⃣ Inspiration: Be part of the movement that inspires the next generation of football stars and leaders. Join Football Association of Wales in championing women's and girls' football and make a lasting impact. Let's kick gender stereotypes to the curb and score big for equality! ⚽💪 Football looks like HER Leadership looks like HER Power looks like HER  And Winning looks like HER Together, we can make the beautiful game even more beautiful! 🌟🙌

Sunday Story. Thank you to our partner Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey for inviting the New York Red Bulls to participate in the only FIFA DEI Panel Discussion taking place prior to the World Cup in 2026. New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce did an amazing job of organizing the event. The discussion was inspiring and continueds to be eye opening around the topic of discrimination, equality and inclusion. It feels like we should be way far ahead of where are we today. There is so much work to be done. The conversation included other local clubs. It was great to hear the training that is being done at the local level. Training coaches, players and front office staff. The basis of the discussion reiterated that we are all HUMANS, first. Be aware of your behavior. Respect others. Understand differences whether it relates to gender or heritage. Get educated. Seek to understand. Have an open mind. The sport of soccer continues to grow here in North America. It’s an exciting time to be part of this sport and league. We need to figure out how to educate others about how our differences unite us. How are differences create community. How are differences is what makes this sport so great. In healthy and growing communities, there is no racism, no discrimination, there is only inclusion. A community of belonging. A community that cheers on the clubs, on and off the pitch. It’s not always about winning, it’s about being a HUMAN first. #community #DEI #soccer

Breaking Barriers in Women Football Check out this insightful article about the growing presence of Black players in England's Women's Football Team. Link here: https://lnkd.in/gmwuaYJV #everyone #highlights #DiversityInFootball #WomensFootball #BreakingBarriers #SPOTCOVERY

More good news for #womenssports and #womenssoccer!

Arsenal Women are making history, with an all-female team running the grounds and tech operations in the upcoming North London Derby on 3 March. This momentous occasion is a testament to the club's commitment to driving change in women's sport. The club partnered with the WSL, Women in Football and the Grounds Management Association to make this happen. It's inspiring to see women and organisations collectively come together as a driving force and taking action for the betterment of women's sport, both on and off the pitch. Change is more powerful when we come together to achieve our goals. Strength is in numbers. Power is in unity. This isn't a trend. This is the present. This is the future. Women in sport. Women in business. Women leading the way in sport, business, and society. Let's continue to support and empower each other to create a better future for all. #WomenInSport #GenderEquality #DiversityAndInclusion

Wonderful news to share regarding United City FC Women's player Darielle O'Brien who joins Utah Royals in the NWSL as a national team replacement players. https://lnkd.in/gtgMNtHm United City FC Women is a development club for female players. When I started UCFC in 2019 I had a vision to build an academy style club where players were there based on talent, and not financial means. We wanted to be a club that helped female athletes who fell through the cracks or went unnoticed, players who could not afford to go to college, players from minority backgrouds, players who needed a second chance. Unlike all the pay-to-play clubs, we do not charge players to be at UCFC, we invest in players to move on. We want to be a blueprint for other clubs. We want to move the needle for women's soccer by showcasing talent that has typically been overlooked. We are United City FC.

With the semester coming to a close Dr.Jonathan Howe has tasked each student to prepare a workshop on various topics of things that are occuring in the Sports Industry. My topic was Diversity, Equity and Inclusion where I read an article that focused on the Racial Gap between the previous years Bowl Bound football players. Please watch below to learn more! #STHM #studentathletes #DEI #decreasethegap #increasegraduationrates #blackgrads

"When we see a lack of representation it is often assumed a lack of talent is the problem. That is very rarely the case.." Particularly in a (arguably the) global sport like football, even at elite level. Other sectors like business, government, higher education: take note. The talent is there. You aren't finding it and promoting it. Leave it too long and we'll make our own choices to go elsewhere. The story is not over by any means, but this shows what can happen with commitment from within and without. Salute to all those involved. #inclusion #inclusionmatters #diversityandinclusion #intersectionality #diversityequityinclusion #treatpeoplewell #weknowhow #identity #identitymatters #inclusiveleadership #inclusiveleader #inclusiveculture #beinclusive #bemoreinclusive #beinclusiveaboutinclusion #belonging #changeiscoming https://lnkd.in/eEF3KYqx

As I stand here, observing the game from the sidelines, I can't help but feel the weight of the moment. The team on the field, touted as the toughest, strongest, and all-time winningest, seems to command blind allegiance from many. Yet, behind the facade of victories lies a culture tainted by unethical practices and a lack of sportsmanship. This scenario isn't just about sports; it mirrors broader societal dynamics, particularly in the realms of business and leadership. It's reminiscent of the 'old boys club,' where entrenched power structures perpetuate inequality and exclusion. For too long, women have been relegated to the sidelines, their voices drowned out by the roar of the crowd cheering for the status quo. But here's the thing: I refuse to remain a spectator. I am part of a team that stands up against inequality in sports and business. I know the risks of stepping onto the field—the possibility of getting hurt, facing ridicule, and enduring relentless trash-talking. Yet, I also know that change never comes easy, and it certainly doesn't come from the safety of the sidelines. Why do I choose to step into the fray? Because I believe in the power of collective action. While one individual may not be able to topple the giants overnight, a united team can shift the momentum, rewrite the narrative, and change the game for good. It's not just about winning or losing; it's about leveling the playing field and creating a more equitable future for all. Yes, it's daunting to be out there, exposed to scrutiny and criticism. But I firmly believe that it's better to be on the pitch, fighting for what's right, than to passively watch from the sidelines. When the coach calls my name, I won't make excuses or shy away—I'll seize the opportunity to make a difference. So, to all those who have hesitated to join the game for fear of the challenges ahead, I say this: Together, we can redefine the rules, challenge the status quo, and build a more inclusive world. It's time to step off the sidelines and onto the pitch. Who's with me? #Equality #ChangeTheGame #Team

We formed our agency, Brouha, to make a difference. We want to work on projects that have an element of social cause whether that be a crossover with sustainability, environmentalism, diversity or social cohesion. So when I see the figures for diversity (or lack of it) of professional footballers in the game (men’s, and especially the women’s), I immediately feel that I’d like to play a role in finding solutions. The fact that 10.6% of the UK population is of Asian origin and yet only 0.3% are professional footballers is clearly way out of kilter with what you might consider to be equitable. Lots of reasons, yes, and I’m pleased to read that the FA, the PFA and Aston Villa Women are taking steps - https://lnkd.in/etS7zTiR. These things need time and reading reports on the subject (the FA’s Asian Inclusion Plan for example) it’s about breaking social stigma and creating attractive opportunities to encourage participation. All of which is why we’re pleased to be working on a project aiming to accelerate a contributory piece of the jigsaw. IPL Soccer is an initiative that deserves support and with the help of one or more enlightened commercial partners we are looking forward to being part of a contributory solution - https://iplsoccer.tv/ IPLSOCCER #partnership #footballplayer #equalitydiversityinclusion #football Premier League Sany Supra #breakingbarriers #Asainsinfootball #opportunityawaits