Richmond's women in sport: Swans Football

In our next Richmond's women in sport series entry we meet Swans Football, who are building a welcoming and inclusive platform for women's football in and around Richmond upon Thames.

With the Lionesses bringing home their second consecutive Euros title, a huge summer of women's sport has already given us amazing moments and memories. 

Now all eyes turn towards the Red Roses at the Women's Rugby World Cup taking place on home soil from Friday 22 August, with the bronze medal match and the final taking place at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on Saturday 27 September.

To celebrate the arrival of the Women's Rugby World Cup to England and the borough, we're showcasing a series of local sportswomen, clubs and classes where local women and girls can get involved in sport, building on the inspiration of the Red Roses and the triumphant Lionesses.

We've already met Su from Twickenham Rowing Club, and this time we are building on England's footballing success by meeting one of Richmond upon Thames' most welcoming women's football clubs - Swans Football.

Richmond Council provided funding, which supported both the set-up of the club in 2023 and and later an expansion.

About Swans Football

Swans Football started in Twickenham in 2023, with games now also available in Richmond and Barnes for women aged anywhere between 18 and 81+, with no experience needed to get involved.

The sessions already attract a broad spectrum of women including many who have never played before; women who used to play but dropped out of the sport, and parents of youth footballers keen to better understand the game their children play.

Those who take part enjoy a fully inclusive football experience that offers every woman the opportunity to learn and play football, keep fit, and make friends in a fun and welcoming environment.

Swans Football now regularly attracts close to 50 players over its two weekly sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For those who then want something with a competitive edge, the Swans Super League launched this June.

To find out more about the impact of the group, we spoke to Eamonn (Swans Football founder), and some of the many women that take part about just what Swans Football means to them.

What Swans means to its members

“After years of cheerleading from the sidelines, it's great to finally make it on to the pitch with a bunch of like-minded mums who want to have fun, stay active and show their daughters that they can play too” - Laura

“I really look forward to training every week and have made some great friends. There is a really lovely bond between all the players!” - Gisella

“The coaching caters for players of all abilities, especially those, like me, who are new to the game. Every week we practice new things and end the session with a match which is always great fun!” - Emma

“We’re so excited to keep expanding the Swans programme and create more opportunities for women to play. It's been inspiring to see the players’ determination and commitment and the many new friendship groups that are being created along the way. We want to continue attracting more players to the game with the emphasis on fitness, friendship and fun." - Eamonn, Swans Football Founder

Get involved

Anyone interested in joining can register on the Swans website or email hello@swansfootball.co.uk.