From Euros Glory to Autism Advocacy
This summer, the England Lionesses took the world by storm and won the 2025 Euros for the 2nd year in a row! This was the first time an England team has won a major trophy on foreign soil, and I, along with so many, enjoyed following their Euros journey, penalty shootouts and extra time goals included! The women in the squad showed what it looks like to be driven, hard-working, and not to give up, no matter what. The positive impact that this team is having on so many people is exciting to see.
One of the stars of the show and a hugely valued player who left everything out on the pitch is Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze. Admitting that she played with a broken tibia, her determination and dedication to the sport and to her team and country are unwavering and inspirational. She is an incredible role model for all young girls, whether they aspire to follow in her sporty footsteps or take a different route.
Following the summer, Bronze spoke with the National Autistic Society, for whom she is now a celebrity ambassador. She talks about how her autism diagnosis was eye-opening and that ‘things just kind of fell into place and it made (her) feel better’ after it. Her role will be about advocating for autism through the society’s values using social media, fundraising and campaigns to help transform lives and change attitudes about autism. Caroline Stevens, the society’s chief executive, explained the importance of public figures like Bronze sharing openly about their experiences to help other people gain understanding and encouragement to share their stories too. She says that they are ‘very grateful to Lucy for the time and support she’s giving to the National Autistic Society and encouraging autism acceptance’, and that they ‘look forward to working together to create better public understanding of autism and to help to transform autistic people’s lives.’ The autism spectrum is vast, and no two people experience autism in the same way. Having someone like Lucy Bronze, who has a significant platform online, can help to change the way that people think about individuals who are neurodiverse. It can also encourage people who are neurodiverse to feel less alone and more understood by sharing their own experiences. They may feel more able to reach for their own personal goals, recognising that they are important and do matter.
Bronze comments on the importance for her personally of being a role model for others who are neurodiverse. She explains that ‘there were times in (her) life where things might have been easier for (her) if there wasn't a stigma, if (she) felt (she) could be more open about it.’ She wants young girls and boys who are autistic to be ‘happy with who they are and not be misunderstood.’ For Bronze, being part of the National Autistic Society is being part of an organisation that ‘empowers autistic people to unlock their full potential.’ This is so important because neurodiversity can often, wrongly, be talked about stereotypically, neglecting to recognise how it impacts people in different ways. Bronze is an example of someone using their platform in a positive way to champion disadvantaged people to achieve their individual goals. Neurodiversity is such a wide spectrum and can be experienced in many different ways. However, we all have aspirations and goals that we want to achieve. We also appreciate being encouraged on our journey towards these dreams. Lucy Bronze’s work with the National Autistic Society aims to do this, and I believe this is an example of someone using their platform for good.
Before closing up, another example of Lucy Bronze using her status as a successful sportswoman with a large platform is the support she has given the GB Deaf Football Team. She gave them financial support for their training kit, as well as nutrition to support them for the Deaf Olympics in November. She explains her gratitude for having the opportunity to support the team, and doing so was a non-negotiable for her. She believes that their limited financial support should not take away the opportunity to show their talent and potential at the Olympics. In a world of negative opinions, media and assumptions, we need more positive stories and media that support neurodivergent and disabled people. It is so important that each person can feel that they belong and can reach their personal goals. Lucy Bronze, amongst others, is an example of someone using their platform to champion others like her, and we should all take something from that.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog. See you next time.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp3v518qw3ko
https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/news/lucy-bronze-mbe-is-our-new-celebrity-ambassador
