Some podcast episodes become more interesting with time.
Originally released in August 2022, this conversation with Sutton United legend Faye Butler came just days after England’s unforgettable victory at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. The Lionesses had captured the nation’s imagination, Wembley had witnessed nearly 90,000 fans celebrate Chloe Kelly’s winning goal, and women’s football had suddenly become front-page news.
Looking back now, it’s fascinating to hear those immediate reactions while also recognising how many of the wider conversations are still relevant today.
Faye was the perfect guest.
A Sutton United great with more than 80 goals to her name, she experienced women’s football long before professional contracts, television coverage and sold-out stadiums became the norm. Her career spanned an era when players paid subscriptions to play, wore hand-me-down kits and often had to fight simply to be recognised.
That perspective gives this episode real value.
We begin by reliving the drama of England’s historic European Championship triumph and discussing what it could mean for the future of the game. Could the success inspire more girls to play? Would supporters start following their local women’s teams? Could clubs like Sutton United build on the momentum?
Those questions felt important in 2022.
They still do today.
Our conversation moves beyond the headlines to explore why grassroots football matters so much. Faye explains the importance of family-friendly environments, where players stay behind after matches to meet supporters, children become mascots and young fans build lifelong connections with their local club.
It’s one of the qualities that has always made Sutton United Women special.
We also discuss the barriers that female footballers have faced over the years. Faye reflects on the opportunities she never had growing up, the progress the game has made and why increased investment has transformed the pathway for today’s players.
She speaks openly about why girls sometimes drift away from football during their teenage years, the importance of team sport in building confidence and friendships, and how changing attitudes are helping more young women stay involved in the game.
Naturally, there’s plenty of Sutton United too.
Faye looks back on her own career, from Chelsea’s youth setup through to becoming one of Sutton’s most prolific goalscorers. We discuss promotions, memorable goals, the continued growth of the women’s section and the challenges that came with changing facilities and expanding the club.
She also reflects on retirement, why she felt the time was right to step away from playing and how she hopes to remain involved with Sutton United in the years ahead.
Listening back now, some conversations belong to the excitement of that remarkable summer in 2022.
But the bigger themes have only become more significant.
How do we continue growing the women’s game? How do local clubs convert national interest into regular support? And how do we ensure the next generation of girls have opportunities that simply didn’t exist for those who came before them?
This episode doesn’t claim to have every answer.
What it does offer is the perspective of someone who lived through the changes and helped build women’s football at Sutton United over many years.
Whether you listened when it was first released or are discovering it for the first time, it’s a conversation that’s still well worth revisiting.
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