Peaches FC
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re championing inclusivity in sport with our local football teams in East London. We spoke to Greer, Eva and Noelle from Peaches FC to find out what they bring to the world of sport and how we as a fashion brand can make changes to support inclusivity for future athletes.
Peaches FC
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re championing inclusivity in sport with our local football teams in East London. We spoke to Greer, Eva and Noelle from Peaches FC to find out what they bring to the world of sport and how we as a fashion brand can make changes to support inclusivity for future athletes.
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
Tell us your story
Eva: Peaches FC is an inclusive grassroots football team for women and non binary players. Founded by friends Aimee and Jess in 2021, the aim was to create a welcoming space for complete beginners to the game. We came together through friends of friends for an initial kick about and immediately decided to join a league – we lost 29-0. It was definitely a humbling experience, but it also spurred us on and we became determined to progress as a team.
What does Peaches FC bring to the world of sport?
Noelle: The world of sport can often seem intimidating and exclusionary – Peaches provides a welcoming safe space in sport for players to try new skills, meet like minded people and focus on fun over competition.
Who inspires you?
Greer: Beth Mead – she was out for a year, she lost her mum and went down with an ACL injury, but she’s come back to the game even stronger and more determined. She’s also raising awareness around common injuries in the women’s game and how they can be prevented.
How can we inspire inclusion in sport?
Eva: Providing opportunities for women and non-binary players to be represented on bigger platforms means we can reach a wider audience beyond the bubble of grassroots football, to reach those who have not been exposed to the same environments and opportunities.
Tell us your story
Eva: Peaches FC is an inclusive grassroots football team for women and non binary players. Founded by friends Aimee and Jess in 2021, the aim was to create a welcoming space for complete beginners to the game. We came together through friends of friends for an initial kick about and immediately decided to join a league – we lost 29-0. It was definitely a humbling experience, but it also spurred us on and we became determined to progress as a team.
What does Peaches FC bring to the world of sport?
Noelle: The world of sport can often seem intimidating and exclusionary – Peaches provides a welcoming safe space in sport for players to try new skills, meet like minded people and focus on fun over competition.
Who inspires you?
Greer: Beth Mead – she was out for a year, she lost her mum and went down with an ACL injury, but she’s come back to the game even stronger and more determined. She’s also raising awareness around common injuries in the women’s game and how they can be prevented.
How can we inspire inclusion in sport?
Eva: Providing opportunities for women and non-binary players to be represented on bigger platforms means we can reach a wider audience beyond the bubble of grassroots football, to reach those who have not been exposed to the same environments and opportunities.
Why is it important for sport to be inclusive?
Greer: When I was growing up, I didn’t even see football as an option for me. I was excluded from a world that would have brought me a lot of joy. I want all young players to feel that the possibilities are endless and their potential can be realised. And also that they can have so much fun with it.
What changes do you want to see in sport?
Noelle: We would like to see women’s pay increased to reflect the demand for the game – when you’re filling out stadiums, why are they being paid so much less?
What challenges have you faced as a female/LGBTQIA+ football player, and how have you overcome them?
Greer: Coming to the game late, there’s always an added insecurity about trying something new and being out of your comfort zone, when most cis men have played since they were 3 years old. It’s important to block out the noise and focus on enjoying the game at the level you’re at. It’s been incredible to witness the growth of my teammates as they’ve got more confident with the ball.
How has the increased visibility and recognition of women's football impacted the sport's growth and popularity?
Noelle: We get so many messages asking to join the team – the demand is increasing every day and we’re seeing new women’s grassroots teams popping up constantly. The more the better!
Eva: We used to just play on Sundays but now The Goalposts League we play in has different leagues almost every day of the week and so many amazing teams.
In what ways do you believe the clothing choices of athletes can empower them beyond their performance on the field?
Greer: It means we can make the game our own. Football is precious to each individual player in unique ways and for so many different reasons. I love seeing the different match day looks the Peaches rock up in and what kind of footy boots and kits people choose.
Are there particular changes you would like to see fashion brands make to support athletes?
Noelle: Bigger brands working from grassroots upwards to professional players is so impactful. It’s important to show the game as a whole, as it is such a vibrant and exciting community. The vibes at grassroots are unparalleled!
Favourite piece from the ALIGNE collection?
Eva: We’re really into the Melon jacket and trouser combo combined with the Nora boxer style shorts!
Why is it important for sport to be inclusive?
Greer: When I was growing up, I didn’t even see football as an option for me. I was excluded from a world that would have brought me a lot of joy. I want all young players to feel that the possibilities are endless and their potential can be realised. And also that they can have so much fun with it.
What changes do you want to see in sport?
Noelle: We would like to see women’s pay increased to reflect the demand for the game – when you’re filling out stadiums, why are they being paid so much less?
What challenges have you faced as a female/LGBTQIA+ football player, and how have you overcome them?
Greer: Coming to the game late, there’s always an added insecurity about trying something new and being out of your comfort zone, when most cis men have played since they were 3 years old. It’s important to block out the noise and focus on enjoying the game at the level you’re at. It’s been incredible to witness the growth of my teammates as they’ve got more confident with the ball.
How has the increased visibility and recognition of women's football impacted the sport's growth and popularity?
Noelle: We get so many messages asking to join the team – the demand is increasing every day and we’re seeing new women’s grassroots teams popping up constantly. The more the better!
Eva: We used to just play on Sundays but now The Goalposts League we play in has different leagues almost every day of the week and so many amazing teams.
In what ways do you believe the clothing choices of athletes can empower them beyond their performance on the field?
Greer: It means we can make the game our own. Football is precious to each individual player in unique ways and for so many different reasons. I love seeing the different match day looks the Peaches rock up in and what kind of footy boots and kits people choose.
Are there particular changes you would like to see fashion brands make to support athletes?
Noelle: Bigger brands working from grassroots upwards to professional players is so impactful. It’s important to show the game as a whole, as it is such a vibrant and exciting community. The vibes at grassroots are unparalleled!
Favourite piece from the ALIGNE collection?
Eva: We’re really into the Melon jacket and trouser combo combined with the Nora boxer style shorts!