Beyond Sport Recommends
Women's History Month 2024 Edition
March 29, 2024
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, check out some of the Beyond Sport team's favorite movies, books and podcasts that celebrate women and girls.
Chak De! India
Our Programs Associate, Aparna Reddy, recommends this drama that follows a professional hockey player exiled from his sport due to religious prejudice. Seven years later, he becomes the Indian Women’s National Hockey Team coach with dreams of turning his players into a winning team.
“I love the movie because as a 12-year-old, it was incredible to watch a team full of women playing a sport that was practically obscure in a country obsessed with cricket. Despite their diverse backgrounds - religion, income, some women were from cities, some from tribal hamlets, some had their families back them, many did not - they took themselves seriously as athletes and worked hard together to win and prove to themselves that they were champions. Also, it features Shah Rukh Khan as the grumpy coach, who I absolutely adore.”
The Guardian’s Women’s Football Weekly
Our Development Director, Carly Heinz, recommends this podcast where the hosts invite guests from the world of women’s football to guide listeners through the biggest stories from the best leagues. From the WSL to the NWSL, the Champions League to Liga F, and the Frauen-Bundesliga to the D1 Féminine, it provides in depth reactions, analysis and opinions.
“I like that podcast because it's important not just for women's sports to receive media coverage, but also that media coverage reflect the same effort put into the men's game. The podcast is an extension of The Guardian's Football Weekly podcast which covers men.”
Eat, Sweat, Play: How Sport Can Change Our Lives
Our Events & Operations Executive, Anya Fitzgerald, recommends this book by British sportswriter and journalist Anna Kessel which explores what it means to be a “sporty woman” in the 21st century. Part manifesto, part how-to, it features a range of fascinating of women as they reclaim sport, and by extension, bodily autonomy.
“It shines a light on gender stereotypes, body image and the societal barriers that prevent women from participating in sports and physical activities. It also features interviews and stories from some of the world's leading sportswomen, including Jessica Ennis-Hill and Serena Williams, and the struggles that they have faced to be taken seriously. I would recommend this book to anyone, in particular young women and girls who want to feel empowered to play sport!"
Our Programs Director, Adam Burgess, recommends this documentary about Zanzibar’s women’s soccer team, the New Generation Queens. It examines the history and culture around women's soccer in the archipelago. It also follows the team to mainland Tanzania, where they participate in a tournament for the first time and several hope to be recruited to the Tanzanian national team.
“It is a fascinating documentary about the drive of young women when faced with extreme discrimination and backlash. Before this team there were very few opportunities for women to play football in Zanzibar and their determination is slowly changing decades of deeply embedded culture.”
Bend It Like Beckham
Our Marketing Manager, Bailey Harris, recommends this crowd favorite movie about two teenaged British girls who are determined to pursue their dreams to play professional football despite their parents’ wishes. The “coming of age” dramedy will have you laughing and crying as you watch the tale of self-discovery and acceptance.
"Though it's a classic aughts movie, I think it's also timeless. It not only captures the commitment and teamwork required to be an athlete, it also uses football to spotlight the specific struggles of women navigating friendships, self-esteem and carving one's own path. What's not to love?!"
Furia
Our Grants & Programs Manager, Claudia Larrea, recommends Yamile Saied Méndez’s popular young adult novel about a teenaged Argentinian soccer star who puts everything on the line – including her blooming love story – to follow her dreams.
“I liked the intersection of themes in Furia and how relatable it is. Coming-of-age challenges to balancing gender-based cultural expectations, while pursuing a passion in sport, are all things I can identify with. I also like how the story touches on the significant impact a caring adult can have on a young person, especially when you're not receiving support from your own family.”
The Ultra Addict with Courtney Dauwalter
Our Executive Director, Fred Turner, recommends this film short that follows famed Colorado ultrarunner Dauwalter during the Tahoe 200 in 2018. The 205 mile course circumnavigates the dry and steep terrain of the Tahoe Rim Trail which has over 40,000 feet (12,200 metres) of elevation gain. Dauwalter ultimately smashes the previous course records for both women and men.
"Courtney is an incredible woman who triumphs taking on ultramarathons around the world. She personifies the importance of mental wellbeing when pushing your physical self to the limit, entering what she calls 'the pain cave'. I love how while so much of elite sport is about conforming to expectations, Courtney dons her iconic baggy shorts and is a self confessed candy and nachos lover. Challenge setter. Record breaker. You can't not be inspired."
The Game Changers with Sue Anstiss
Our Senior Grants & Programs Manager, Abby West, recommends this podcast that features talks with trailblazers in women’s sport. Guests share on their careers, motivations and challenges while also exploring key issues on equality.
“Sue Anstiss has some really cool guests, both high profile athletes and women who are at the top of their game but not in a high profile sport. For example, recent episodes include the first female cricket umpire to officiate a men’s game in England and a Team GB boccia player. She does a great job of raising awareness of the variety within women's sport and manages to make each episode both a celebration of her guests' achievements and also a discussion on equality and barriers to women in sport.”
Mia Baker golf videos / Unsussed
Our Business Development Manager, Luke Odam, recommends following YouTuber and podcaster Mia Baker who has helped grow the game of women’s golf in the UK exponentially.
“Mia has been a great, welcoming figure promoting golf for women, hosting lots of women only events across the UK and highlighting the physical and emotional benefits of the game. She also shows that golf can be game played with friends without being overly competitive and inaccessible. On her YouTube channel, she and her friends create fun challenge videos, often focused on teamwork and collaborative efforts rather than individual skill - definitely worth a watch for anyone interested in getting into golf or a new sport!"
Girlfight
Our Director of Content & Communications, Karen Asare, recommends this acclaimed drama which follows a troubled high school student who channels her anger by training to become a boxer – all while facing disapproval from her father, prospective trainers and her male competitors.
“I liked the rawness of this emotional film and how it features a young woman in a sport that traditionally only elevates men. Boxing literally changes “Diana’s” life by providing discipline and purpose. And writer-director Karyn Kusama is an artistic powerhouse of the field!”