Pitchside Pioneers

Jawahir "JJ" Roble: "I can be my own role model;" the UK's first female, Muslim referee

JJ Roble and her family sought refuge in the UK from Somalia when she was 10 years old. Her love for football started as a child in Somalia and continued to grow after coming to the 'home of football'. Despite her recognition today as a role model for BAME women in football, her first experience refereeing came by accident. Since then, she's won a FA Respect Award, been one of BBC's 100 Women of 2019, and was awarded an MBE in 2023.

Sarah Rudd: Pioneer of football analytics and co-founder of src ftbl

Today's episode highlights the career of Sarah Rudd, including her decade at Arsenal FC. From leading the analytics department at Arsenal to starting the consultancy firm, src ftbl, and the highs and lows in-between. Twitter: @juliaandersen18 [https://twitter.com/juliaandersen18] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Julia_Andersen [https://www.youtube.com/@Julia_Andersen]

Sue Thearle: Career of the sports broadcaster and first female reporter on BBC's Match of the Day

Julia highlights the career of British sports broadcaster and journalist, Sue Thearle. From her first job at a local newspaper to being the first female reporter on Match of the Day and the lessons she's learned along the way. Twitter: @juliaandersen18 [https://twitter.com/juliaandersen18] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Julia_Andersen [https://www.youtube.com/@Julia_Andersen]