Rosa Simkin (@rosatalksball) – 08/03/24
Sometimes in life you find something which genuinely makes you tick. The thing which completes and brings out your true self and in a kind of cliched and rather cringey way the thing which completes you. For me that thing is sport.
Don’t get me wrong, it took me a long time to find this love. I’ve never had anything against sport, but when I was younger I took the view it didn’t concern me. That was until when I was 9, and my older sister Mae dragged be down to Edgbaston to watch the Bears in action. Despite the fact I had absolutely no idea about the rules of cricket, I loved it. That game quickly became two, then three and then transferred quickly into a Junior Bears membership. Mae was chuffed as they had a buddy to watch the games with (despite the stress of me on a train as a very small individual – still am, and my complete lack of spatial awareness – that one is getting better.) and I was pleased as I 1. Got the chance to explore something new and 2. Was handed the time to spend more time with my older sister (adorable, I know).
I continued going to the occasional game over the years, but my true love for the game and women’s sport as a whole kicked in at the beginning of 2021. Of course I had always enjoyed playing cricket, in a rather small form and watching games but I never considered myself a sporty individual and I think that was due to a few contributing factors. The first being my hyper-mobility, due to how hyper-mobile I am sport has never come easy to me, and I hadn’t found a sport which I loved enough to put in the amount of effort it would take to become strong and fit enough to achieve within it.
The second? A lack of female role models. Now please don’t get me wrong, I’ve been very lucky from a young age to be surrounded by incredible and strong women, through my family, school and beyond but with sports media being so heavily male dominated the representation of women within sport on our screens was extremely limited and usually when shown on obscure channels or on at inconvenient times, making it near impossible to find if you aren’t searching for it. In 2021 I started to see more and more women on TV playing sport, and I attended what I believe to be my first central sparks game, watching England’s Amy Jones hit an unbelievable unbeaten 163* from 113 balls. I mean if that doesn’t spark something in you (PUN ENTIRELY INTENDED!) I don’t know what will!
It was also the year I began discovering my love for women’s football, eventually settling on Arsenal Women as the team I’d support. Before anyone even THINKS it, it wasn’t for “glory hunting”, it was due to one player Nikita Parris. I found myself watching tonnes of videos of Keets playing her fast-paced game, so when she eventually joined the Gunners albeit her stay short I decided to support them for her. After she left, I’d found a connection with the club and decided it was where I needed to be. I do try to remain as neutral as possible for my coverage of the season and believe I do it well, however I will not be apologizing for headlines including phrases such as “Miedema Magic” as quite frankly there is usually no lie in that statement.
I also got the privilege of meeting Keets, albeit in a Manchester United shirt at their game away at Villa last season.
🎶Keets is on FIIIRRREEE your defence is terrified! (haha!)🎶
The Creation of Rosa Talks Ball
At the beginning of the 2022 cricket season I made the impulsive decision to start an instagram acount (@rosatalksball) to begin covering women’s sport. The decision was made off the back of attending a Central Sparks double header at Edgbaston and the extreme frustration at the lack of individuals there. Whether fans or media the stands were pretty much bare. Rather ironically, instagram is the platform of mine which booms the least now. With X (Formally Twitter), My Podcast and this little website the main source of attention to my coverage. I do however and will always have a soft spot for Instagram as it is what started this blur of a journey.
Last year, my coverage was unfortunately impacted due to a knee injury limiting my mobility and the dreaded exams which absorbed my whole being but this year there is a whole lot in store. Through my vlogs, podcast, blogs, photography and more I look forward to a big year in the world of Rosa Talks Ball, continuing to fulfill my platforms one core aim. Shining a light on women in sport, because quite frankly they deserve it. 2024 we’re coming for you!
From a playing perspective in September of 2022, I decided to give cricket a PROPER go and commit to it and hardball. I joined Kenilworth Cricket Club, a decision I wouldn’t undo and got cracking. My god it was difficult but thanks to loving teammates and a great coach (shout out to Pavs!) I truly began my journey. I may have missed the 2023 season due to an unfortunate knee injury, but I am still playing and gradually improving, currently learning the art of leg spin and trying to improve my dodgy batting! But if I’m honest, my biggest love will always be the coverage surrounding the sport rather then the playing it.
So then, what does this have to do with International Women’s Day?
Last week someone close to me asked a question, “why does sport mean so much to you?” and it really got me thinking. When looking in the calendar and seeing today is International Women’s Day I decided when is their a better way to explore it, so here we are.
If I’m honest, it’s rather difficult to express how important something is within your life when it means as much as it does. In short, sport has given me a sense of purpose which I hadn’t quite experienced before, something to continue working towards with hopes to eventually become a full time sports journalist.
Sport offers such an incredible community. Whether that be with fellow media personal, players, teammates or through the charity initiatives I remain a part of. I’m biased and will always argue cricket is the GOAT of all sports, but in reality women in all sports never fail to amaze me. A group of incredible individuals who despite the fact they have to fight for every inch of funding and support (as we are still seen as inferior to men – ridiculous I know) they do it with such willingness and such determination. One day they won’t have to, and we’re certainly heading in the right direction and I know we will get to that point thanks to the one’s fighting.
I honestly can’t encourage you enough to get involved with sport in some sense. Whether playing, coaching, refereeing, helping with admin etc. the experiences and people it brings you will last a life time.
Sport – you are a keeper!
If there’s some things I can express to you this International Women’s Day, here they are.
- Please NEVER allow fear to stop you trying something new/putting yourself out there. There will always be individuals who try to tear you down as a women (and further), but I promise you it’s worth ignoring them to do what you love. – You’ve got this.
- Support the women in your life, because if you do they’ll always have your back through thick and thin.
- Never underestimate us. We’re past the era of women being open to being put to the bottom of your planning. We’re not second best and we’re not less important than our male counterparts. Show us the same respect as you would them, allow women’s sport the same level of funding and support because I guarantee we won’t disappoint and hey you never know, we may just sell out stadiums. Oh wait… we already have.
I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of support and investment in the women’s game. When we have the resources, opportunities, and recognition, we can truly inspire and showcase the next generation.” – Phoebe Litchfield
One final and really important thing, Mae (who I’ll be making read this) thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your genuine love for sport with me and taking me on this journey with you. You’ve changed my life for the better.
*I just want to make one thing very clear, this piece isn’t designed to be an attack on all men. In fact the purpose of this point isn’t to highlight men at all. I do however want to say, to the men who are actively trying to make a difference in all aspects of life for women and openly and consistently supporting us, thank you for helping us make a difference.*
Oh and go women!
Where To Find Me (Press on Word for Link):
Instagram | X (Formerly Twitter) – Main Account, Podcast Account | Tiktok | Spotify (My Podcast) | YouTube |
Contact – contactrosatalksball@gmail.com
Rosa I love, love, love this blog!!! Especially the bit about why you started it and the embedded inclusivity of it. Well done and keep it up!
PS maybe one day you could explain the rules of cricket to me – sports day perhaps?