Hatty Ruddick

Being seen means so much to me, as someone slightly older than most starting out in football journalism and with no formal training. Breaking into this industry is often challenging, especially for those from working-class backgrounds or without traditional journalism credentials. Despite these barriers, I’ve been working tirelessly to carve out a space for myself.

In April 2024, I launched WoSo Sidelines Reports, focusing on writing match reports for every game I could attend. From taking notes in the stands with a worn-out notebook to gaining accreditation with clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and England U23s, I’ve committed myself to this journey. Alongside match reports, I’ve created TikTok and Instagram content and am preparing to launch the WoSo Sidelines Reports podcast. I also serve as the camera operator for Manchester Women’s Basketball live streams—all while working full-time in the NHS and pursuing a PhD.

Women’s football has had a profound impact on my life, giving me a sense of community and purpose that has helped me manage my anxiety. This passion, discovered later in life, has become my driving force. In less than a year, I’ve travelled across the country, funding myself to attend matches and grow my platform. My efforts have reached over 470,000 social media accounts and brought 586 website views. While these numbers are significant, what matters most is that my work resonates with even one person. This is a labour of love, not a financial pursuit, but it has been one of the most positive and transformative experiences of my life.

I believe I deserve this recognition because I’ve turned my passion into a meaningful pursuit, proving that it’s never too late to start something new. Women’s football has given me so much, and through my work, I hope to give back to the community that has inspired me.