Within the history of women’s football there’s a fascinating roster of groundbreaking players, teams, and coaches from different countries who played a significant role in shaping the sport.
Stronger Together
The stories of these early international pioneers highlight the importance of the sport’s global reach, collaborations, and competitions. By promoting cross-cultural exchanges and celebrating the achievements of women’s national teams from different countries, we can showcase the richness of talent and passion for the sport that exists worldwide: something very much worth the platform during FIFA season.
In the interest of women’s football contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering sporting landscape, let’s consider the ways in which women and girls have been encouraged to excel in the sport – and how key individuals from the past 30 years have advocated for positive social change. Leading the charge in this blog series is former Fulham L.F.C. Midfielder,ÌýPermi Jhooti.
2FKYKFE // Permi Jhooti September, 2000 - playing for Fulham Women's Football team // Contributor's - Name Credit: Independent.
Blazing a Trail
In terms of ambassadorship, Permi Jhooti carried the baton for early representation in women’s football as the first female pro-British Asian player in the UK. Born in Preston, Lancashire, Jhooti is a second-generation immigrant with South Asian roots and she started among the amateur set-up at London’s Fulham Football Club.
Growing up, she played football with her brother and this sport became her passion. As time passed, Jhooti’s ambitions were modest following a near-fatal injury sustained in play when she ruptured her duodenum on the pitch. She committed to getting back in shape for one more game, intending to quit after that concluding match.
Instead of her brief stint in football coming to an end, destiny had different plans in store for her. A professional contract came her way, recognising her exceptional performance and playing style. In the year 2000, she eagerly signed with the club, and from that point on, the pages of sporting history captured her remarkable journey.
Against the backdrop of the early 2000s, Jhooti serves as an icon, seen as the inspiration behind film writer Gurinder Chadha’s 2002 cult hitÌýBend It Like Beckham. This movie examined navigating a love of football with Indian parents who had other plans for their English-born daughter, mirroring many of Jhooti’s – and no doubt other girls from similar backgrounds – own experiences.
2FKYKE4 // Permi Jhooti September 2000 // Contributor's Name Credit: Independent.
Role as FIFA Ambassador
Following Jhooti’s retirement from professional sports, she continued to play a crucial role in the progression of women’s football. Taking on the mantle of a FIFA ambassador, she embarked on journeys that took her to far-flung corners of the world. In this capacity, she dedicated herself to the development of women’s clubs and leagues. As an example, in 2007, she visited Fiji and New Zealand as an ambassador, where she actively participated in the FIFA Women’s Football Strategic Planning Workshop and shared her insights.
Quadruple Threat
Jhooti is a leading light when it comes to considering the broader trajectory that a career in football can have, covering not only sport but also the fields of science, art/design and public speaking.
Starting with sport, Jhooti has various prestigious sporting accolades to her name, including a Contribution to Football Award in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Thinking about women in STEM and more visibility for this, Jhooti has a scientific presence through her research in MRI techniques and development of algorithms for respiratory, cardiac and neuro biofeedback.ÌýShe was awarded two patents for her work in cardiac MRI and has a staggering 30 papers published within her disciplines. Giving back to the scientific community, her research has been presented at more than 50 conferences internationally.
In 2014, her first solo exhibition was held, showcasing her work as a freelance creative coder. Contributing to the world of theatre and dance via live interactive audio/video, her relationship with the arts has taken her to Art Basel, Miami, New York, Barcelona and Cologne.
Topping all of this off, Jhooti has devoted much of her later career to public speaking around professional sport, culture and gender, drawing on inspirational points from her own life. In these ways, it’s fair to say that your passions and interests can truly take you anywhere.
M9B78G // Permi Jhooti wins Jaguar Lifetime Achievement Award at the BEDSA Awards 2018, sponsored by Sporting Equals, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. // Contributor Name Credit: PA Images.
What lessons can we draw from Permi Jhooti?
The journey of Permi Jhooti in women’s football serves as a remarkable example of the transformative power of passion, determination, and the courage to break barriers. As the first female professional British Asian player in the UK, Jhooti blazed a trail and became a source of inspiration for many. Her unwavering dedication to developing women’s clubs and leagues worldwide showcased her commitment to fostering the sport’s growth and empowering women and girls.
Yet, Jhooti’s impact transcends the boundaries of football, illustrating that pursuing one’s passions and interests can lead to diverse and unexpected paths. Her story exemplifies the immense potential for women to excel in various domains, challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Through her contributions to the sporting landscape, cultural advancements, and gender empowerment, Jhooti stands as a true role model and inspiration for aspiring athletes and individuals striving for excellence in any field.
2H00GM2 // Permi Jhooti attends a panel discussion with Seraina Degen during World Girls’ Football Day, at Solothurn FC Stadium, Solothurn. // Contributor Name Credit: Daniela Porcelli / Sipa US.
Jhooti’s story is the first in a series of six blog posts spotlighting global individuals from women’s football history. As we celebrate the pioneers of women’s football from around the world, let us remember the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and the global reach of the sport. By honouring the achievements of individuals like Permi Jhooti, we recognise the rich talent and passion that exists within women’s football worldwide, emphasising its significance during FIFA season and beyond. Discover the visual history of FIFA women’s football here. For more on Alamy’s 2023 #EmpowerHer campaign, read this.Ìý