If You Can See It, You Can Be It: Stoke City’s Female Leaders Share Their Stories

In this special International Women’s Day edition of Potters’ Pod, we shine a spotlight on women playing an integral role at Stoke City — on and off the pitch.

Host Sam Fletcher sits down with four leaders from across the club:

•⁠ ⁠Steph Wakelin, Women’s & Girls’ Performance Director

•⁠ ⁠Sarah Richardson, Women’s First Team Head Coach

•⁠ ⁠Laura Nicholls, Director of Community Engagement

•⁠ ⁠Clare Buckley‑Prescott, Head of Safety Operations

Together, they reflect on their journeys into football; from childhood dreams to unexpected career pivots and the barriers, biases, and breakthroughs that have defined their paths.

They discuss the changing landscape for girls and women in the sport, the power of visibility, and why leadership should never be defined by gender.

There are stories of resilience, sacrifices made by families, imposter syndrome, and the pinch‑me moments that remind the quartet of how far both they and the game have come.

They share the pride they feel in representing Stoke City, the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation, and the advice they would give to young girls who dream of working in football.

It’s an honest, thought-provoking and inspiring conversation about determination, identity, community, and the women helping shape a more inclusive future for the game.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices