Joanne Booker

Started playing football at 33/34 years of age. Lacked so much confidence when she first started playing. Fast forward 4 years, Jo and is now captain of her 11aside football team at South London Laces, is SO confident in midfield and defence. More importantly, she is so selfless, she will always try to sacrifice playing time for others to play, she will always have the loudest and most positive voice on the pitch, she supports players on and off the pitch if they become too anxious (speaking for hours on the phone and then making sure there’s a solution so they are less anxious), she will encourage players to take voluntary roles in football e.g., social media, photography. And connect them with people who are experienced in these areas. She organises the 7 aside team too. She does so much in the background to make others have such a positive playing experience, it sometimes goes unnoticed. People always remember how you make them feel. If people feel content and happy playing football, they will keep playing and people like Jo make sure players feel cared about, all the time. Jo also highlights that you can start playing at any age; develop skills and confidence and be part of a community!