Recently, some of our team members went to watch the Lionesses play Australia at in a sell-out match at Pride Park. We caught up with Megan Jones (Employment Tax, Birmingham), who organised the trip, to find out more.

What inspired you to organise this trip to see the Lionesses, and what did it mean to you personally?

I first started following the Lionesses in 2023 during the World Cup (where we came 2nd!!) and since then have developed a keen interest in women’s football, having always hated watching football in the past! When I saw they were playing so locally I knew I wanted to watch the game in person and, with how close our Derby office is, I asked a few of the girls I knew would be interested if they wanted to join me. It was truly awe-inspiring both watching world class athletes in their element and witnessing the amount of support there was.

Watching the Lionesses play, did you notice any qualities - like resilience, communication, or leadership - that you think are just as important in our workplace?

100%, I’m an avid believer that playing team sports helps you develop a number of skills that are useful in the workplace, predominantly communication and teamwork. We saw all the key workplace qualities in action, from communication (telling teammates where they were and whether they wanted the ball) to resilience (Australia playing almost the full game with 10 players and keeping England out of their box for a fair amount of it).

The Lionesses are known for inspiring the next generation. Did the trip spark any ideas about how we can build a more inclusive or inspiring culture at work?

The trip ended up bringing together people from 3 offices and from 7 different teams, football fans and non-football fans alike, and we all had the best time. I think that shows that having these sorts of events and bringing together a diverse group of people to enjoy them will only bring us closer together and promote joint-working. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can have great rewards if you’re brave enough to do it.

If our employment taxes team were a football squad, what position would you play - and why?

Ooh that’s a difficult one! I think I’d either be a goalkeeper or a wingback - I play wingback at hockey so it can’t be that different right? My gut instinct was goalkeeper because I love to build up the team and like to think that I’m somewhat solid and dependable (as well as crazy enough to throw myself around).

We also spoke to Cerys Davies-Webb (Corporate Tax, Birmingham), Ebony Riley (Employment Tax, Birmingham) and Sarah Buddie (Operations, Nottingham) who also attended the match, to get their thoughts:

Do you regularly watch football? If not, what made you want to watch this game?

Cerys – I don’t regularly watch football but I find The Lionesses to be inspiring and thought I’d give it a go!

Ebony – Not really no but I thought it would be a good way to spend time with some of the ET team and also meet new people.

Sarah – Not really, apart from when the Euros or the World Cup is on the TV, but I wanted to go and support the lionesses!

What was your favourite part of the game and why?

Cerys – I liked the environment of being able to watch the game in a relaxed and safe environment alongside friends and celebrate a competent English team.

Ebony – Hearing all the young kids shouting their support for the lionesses.

Sarah – The fact we won 3-0!! It was such a good atmosphere in the stadium, everyone was so excited.