Overview
- Speaking on Sky’s biographical program hosted by Riccardo Basile, Julia Šimić described how growing up as the only girl in boys’ games shaped her early years in football.
- She said boys often tried to keep her off the field and that she had to impress on her first touches of the ball to be allowed to stay.
- At age 12 she cut her hair short to escape what she called an outsider role, and for about a year and a half she found daily life easier when she was taken for a boy.
- She recalled off-field hurdles such as changing in a separate room and needing a parent present on team trips, which singled her out even when she was picked.
- Now a Sky football expert and, as reported, co-trainer of Switzerland’s women’s national team, she says she tunes out sexist jabs and hopes visible roles help more girls see a place for themselves in the sport.