IWD 2025: Q&A with Laila Bowcock
As part of our International Women's Day 2025 celebrations, we want to shine a spotlight on our inspiring female athletes. We've spoken to a selection about their sporting successes and what they plan on conquering next.
In this Q&A, we spoke to BTEC Sport student Laila Bowcock about her journey into the exciting world of Women's Football.
What sport and activities do you take part in?
I mainly take part in Football. I'm also a Rising Leader, Inclusion Ambassador and part of the Staffordshire FA Youth Engagement team. I also do coaching for the U13 boys team and I've recently been selected to volunteer at AOC National Championships!
How and when did you first get into football?
I first got into Football in 2022 after seeing the lionesses win the euros and this inspired me to get involved and start playing myself. From there, I saw the rise of women’s football increase across England but there was still work to be done and I wanted to have an impact. When I joined college they gave me the opportunity to apply for the rising leaders program which gives girls opportunities in the football industry and I got accepted, which has now given and shown me lots of opportunities. Being on the Rising Leaders program has led to me being an Inclusion ambassador, joining the Staffordshire FA youth engagement team and starting coaching.
What would you say is your favourite thing about your sport?
My favourite thing about Football is that it helps me with my mental health and surrounds me with people who have the same interests as me with playing and also watching. It’s a sense of community that makes me feel welcome and happy.
How do you find juggling this with your studies?
I find juggling this with my studies quite tiring but I think it’s all worth it as I enjoy it and will help me towards my future goals.
What are you working towards at the minute?
I’m working towards my FA Level 1 Coaching badge so I can get more involved in my coaching and growing my confidence within that. As well as this I’m working towards getting good grades within my course so I can go to the university I want.
What is your favourite thing about studying at NSCG?
My favourite thing about NSCG is how there are so many opportunities available to me to help me get to the best possible position for my future. As well as this, my teachers are really supportive of what I do and encourage me a lot.
What are your future plans for life after NSCG?
After college I want to attend UCFB Wembley and study Football coaching and Talent development.
What song/artist do you have on repeat at the minute?
I’m listening to Olivia Dean the most at the moment and mainly her songs, 'Dive', 'Reason to Stay' and 'It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be'. These help me feel more relaxed and less stimulated after a long day!