A conversation with The Goalposts League’s founder Shameek Farrell about challenges in women’s football

Shameek Farrell started The Goalposts League in 2021 to update outdated narratives and provide a safe space where players of all backgrounds and abilities can come together to play the beautiful game every week.

The East London football 5-a-side league for women and non-binary teams was founded in 2021 by Shameek Farrell, who also founded the club London-based club Coats and Goalposts in 2016.

At the launch of Veo's new campaign "Play For More: 50 Years of Hurt" in London, we sat down with the founder of The Goalposts League, Shameek Farrell, to learn about the league's history, what makes it unique, and the challenges faced in a league for women and non-binary teams.

Why did you start The Goalposts League??

I have worked in women’s football for the last fifteen years, and in that time, I have seen the adversity players and teams have faced on and off the pitch, the lack of playing opportunities, and the scarce levels of representation from top to bottom.

Inspired by the communities that I have previously worked with, the players, and my general love for the game, I wanted to help create change, help break down barriers, update outdated narratives, and, most importantly, provide a much-needed safe space where players of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities could all come together to play the beautiful game every week.

The Goalposts League is a safety net for people to be unapologetically themselves and provides a space where people can further their love for the game in a nurturing environment.

What makes this league unique?

Honestly, it’s the people who make the league so incredibly special. It’s their stories, hustle and grit, and undeniable passion for wanting to create positive change within their communities and the general betterment of the women’s game. That’s what inspires us to do more and push more boundaries.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in women’s football?

There are still plenty of looming challenges within the women’s game, from the professional game down to grassroots and everything else. Although these challenges are varied, they are apparent in all aspects of our game.

We still have challenges regarding visibility, accessibility, opportunity, finances, and sustainability, just to name a few. We have collectively made astronomical strides to help improve all sides of the game, but it’s evident that more needs to be done to help progress it. I am confident that we’ll get there, and I am more than sure those challenges will become less prominent in years to come.

What is the importance of this kind of campaign?

The significance of this campaign is vital. The women’s game is growing rapidly, but we must remind ourselves of history equally.

To remind ourselves how far we’ve come. To remind us that setbacks will arise and may be tough to overcome, but to remind ourselves never to let our dreams die. To reaffirm our pridefulness and appreciation for those before us who made it easier to play now and champion the here, now, and future. One person or team can’t do it alone, but collectively we can. One team. Same dream.