This Sunday 8th March 2020 is International Women’s Day: a day when the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women throughout history.
At Newport County AFC, we’re marking the day by celebrating the amazing women who help keep the Football Club running day in day out, whether it be as a volunteer, supporter, member of staff, or part of the County in the Community Team.
Meet just some of the Women involved at NCAFC:
"I became involved with Newport County AFC following parent/child participation sessions with County in the Community at my childrens' primary school. They inspired me to want to become more involved with the club that as a family we had been following for some time, and when the elections opened for candidates in the most recent elections, I applied and was delighted to be appointed to the board in July 2019.
Lucy Kelly - Head of Operations
"I’ve worked for Newport County for just under a year as their Head of Operations.
I work very closely with the first team players and staff and am responsible for all the logistics around the first team. I assist with all home match day operations and get the pleasure of travelling to all away games with the team.
In the short time I have been here I have already had a trip to Wembley. Seeing behind the scenes of a play-off final is definitely a career high."
Emily Edwards - Newport County AFC Community
"I’m in-charge of the guard of honour on match days. I look after the kids, make sure they’re where they are meant to be, put them in their lines and get all the flags out.
At half time, we take the kids behind the goals and play a quick five-a-side game. I got involved in County in the Community through Norman Parselle after I joined the We Wear the Same Shirt side which is a mental health team.
I’m now a paid employee as a footballl coach with CITC, I’ve been working with Norm and the team for around 11 months now and loving every minute."
Donna Linton - Newport County AFC Support Liason Officer
“I’ve been a fan since my dad took me to games when I was 3, once the club reformed my friend’s grandad took me over in 1997 or 1998. Although through 20 years being a volunteer, I’ve worked anywhere that the club have needed help even dressing up as Spytty the Dog!
I love the Club, and my role at the moment is arranging the Mascots and Match day visits. I’m usually found in the Marquee where I adore seeing the young children visit and how they get excited to meet their favourite players in the marquee and after the game.
It's something I wish was available when I supported the Club as a kid so I try to make sure the children have a fab day."
Jayne Bryant - Welsh Assembly Member & Newport County AFC Supporter
“There are lots of women of all ages who play an important role at Newport County AFC. It is undoubtedly a family club. Many give up their time to volunteer to ensure fans have the best experience on match days.
Others like Emily (Edwards) are part of County in the Community who do excellent work with young people across Newport and the rest of Gwent. As a County fan I am proud of their commitment; they are a vital and valued part of our Club.”
Nicola Johns - Newport County AFC Club Photographer
“I’ve been a County fan for many, many years since my son was involved at U17 level. I started volunteering with the scouting side of the Newport County AFC and happened to see the advert come out about volunteer photographers. Because I was an avid football photographer at the time anyway I thought ‘Well, I’ll send in a portfolio of photos and see what happens’ and it went from there.
You are seeing more and more women photographers around football which is great, but it still tends to be men at the game. Hopefully, we’ll see more and more women and young girls coming into football and football media especially.”
Jennifer Tomkins - Newport County AFC Media Volunteer
