Hackney Women’s Football Club
For International Women’s Day this year, we’re championing inclusivity in sport. We’ve teamed up with our local football teams in East London to find out who inspires them, what changes we can make in sport and how we can support athletes in the future. Here’s what Megan, Taleen and Molly from Hackney Women’s Football Club had to say.
Hackney Women’s Football Club
For International Women’s Day this year, we’re championing inclusivity in sport. We’ve teamed up with our local football teams in East London to find out who inspires them, what changes we can make in sport and how we can support athletes in the future. Here’s what Megan, Taleen and Molly from Hackney Women’s Football Club had to say.
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.
What does Hackney Women’s FC bring to the world of sport?
Molly: HWFC brings sisterhood, inclusivity, passion and fun to the world of sport!
Who inspires you?
Megan: It’s the young players coming through the system, like Grace Clinton. It shows that what we are doing in the world of women’s football is working. A bit of a more obvious one, but we also love Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy – they are the driving forces of change in women’s football.
How can we inspire inclusion in sport?
Taleen: Creating safe and inclusive spaces for people to engage in sports – whether that's playing or supporting. We need to provide access to opportunities for minority and underrepresented groups to bring them in but then also ensure those spaces are welcoming and inclusive in the long term to improve retention.
Why is it important for sport to be inclusive?
Taleen: Sport should be for everyone. Exercise is such a great way for people to feel good, and team sports in particular can help people connect and find community. So many people miss out on these experiences because they've felt they aren't welcome, which shouldn't be happening.
What does Hackney Women’s FC bring to the world of sport?
Molly: HWFC brings sisterhood, inclusivity, passion and fun to the world of sport!
Who inspires you?
Megan: It’s the young players coming through the system, like Grace Clinton. It shows that what we are doing in the world of women’s football is working. A bit of a more obvious one, but we also love Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy – they are the driving forces of change in women’s football.
How can we inspire inclusion in sport?
Taleen: Creating safe and inclusive spaces for people to engage in sports – whether that's playing or supporting. We need to provide access to opportunities for minority and underrepresented groups to bring them in but then also ensure those spaces are welcoming and inclusive in the long term to improve retention.
Why is it important for sport to be inclusive?
Taleen: Sport should be for everyone. Exercise is such a great way for people to feel good, and team sports in particular can help people connect and find community. So many people miss out on these experiences because they've felt they aren't welcome, which shouldn't be happening.
What challenges have you faced as a female/LGBTQIA+ football player, and how have you overcome them?
Molly: I only started playing football in 2020 and it's been completely life changing. I've found a hobby that not only brings me so much joy, but I've also made so many new friends through it. The women's football community in London is really special – the atmosphere of supportiveness, inclusivity and belonging is really inspiring.
What changes do you want to see in sport?
Molly: More gender equality in sport. Equality in pay, opportunities and rights.
How has the increased visibility and recognition of women's football impacted the sport's growth and popularity?
Megan: Women’s football today is inspiring our younger generation of women more than ever before! Inspiration has the power to motivate and encourage our youth to play football, which can impact the future of our sport.
In what ways do you believe the clothing choices of athletes can empower them beyond their performance on the field?
Molly: Although it seems an obvious statement, the more comfortable you are playing your sport, the better you will perform.
Are there particular changes you would like to see fashion brands make to support athletes?
Taleen: Listening to the players about what they want, and including them within the process of creating the pieces. Taking on their feedback and really caring about how the piece makes the athlete feel. We’d also like to see a push for imagery that showcases the person over the athlete.
Favourite piece from the ALIGNE collection?
Megan: Isla knitted tie tank - so versatile!
What challenges have you faced as a female/LGBTQIA+ football player, and how have you overcome them?
Molly: I only started playing football in 2020 and it's been completely life changing. I've found a hobby that not only brings me so much joy, but I've also made so many new friends through it. The women's football community in London is really special – the atmosphere of supportiveness, inclusivity and belonging is really inspiring.
How has the increased visibility and recognition of women's football impacted the sport's growth and popularity globally?
Women's football is the sport that has helped to change society's approach to female athletes. So many people have a huge passion for football, which is supported by the success of our teams bringing so many people together. By getting more women and girls into football, we increase their confidence within society.
What changes do you want to see in sport?
Molly: More gender equality in sport. Equality in pay, opportunities and rights.
How has the increased visibility and recognition of women's football impacted the sport's growth and popularity?
Megan: Women’s football today is inspiring our younger generation of women more than ever before! Inspiration has the power to motivate and encourage our youth to play football, which can impact the future of our sport.
In what ways do you believe the clothing choices of athletes can empower them beyond their performance on the field?
Molly: Although it seems an obvious statement, the more comfortable you are playing your sport, the better you will perform.
Are there particular changes you would like to see fashion brands make to support athletes?
Taleen: Listening to the players about what they want, and including them within the process of creating the pieces. Taking on their feedback and really caring about how the piece makes the athlete feel. We’d also like to see a push for imagery that showcases the person over the athlete.
Favourite piece from the ALIGNE collection?
Megan: Isla knitted tie tank - so versatile!