Ahead of International Women's Day on Sunday 8 March, we profile a selection of staff who work across the Club. Today, it's Amy Judge and Louise Prowse...
Louise Prowse, Academy Personal Development Coordinator (main picture, right)
“We always tell the Everton Academy boys that, when it comes to careers, there is never a straight line. You may have a fantastic football career ahead of you, but as well as playing, there are always opportunities to develop second careers both during and after your time in the game. That is something you need to be prepared for, but it is also something you should embrace.”
Louise speaks from experience. After completing a degree in Hispanic Studies, she lived in Barcelona before undertaking youth work and a pastoral support role within a secondary school. She then obtained a PGCE in secondary languages and taught at schools across Merseyside, before becoming Head of Spanish at a local secondary school.
“As part of achieving the Language College Status for the school I was working in, I was asked to provide Spanish lessons for first-team staff and I really enjoyed it. I was then asked to get involved in some player liaison work, providing language support. I’d never thought of using my teaching and language skills in a sport environment before, but it really appealed to me.”
Louise continued her connection to the Club, undertaking a part-time pastoral role at the Academy while studying for a master’s degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies.
“As I came to the end of my studies, a full-time opportunity became available within the Academy Education and Welfare department and I immediately applied. Since then, my role has expanded, and sits within the Education and Player Care team, which is made up of three men and two women. It is definitely a dynamic environment to work in. There is a real sense of community here.
“I am now responsible for creating and implementing the Personal Development Programme for the whole Academy – which ranges from Under-9s to Under-18s.
“For our Under-9s to Under-11s, the focus is on enjoyment of sport, and we reiterate that that should be at the heart of anything you do.
“We want to develop our Academy boys as players and as people. Our extensive Personal Development Programme includes workshops on mental health, personal finance, business, nutrition, equality and diversity, the environment and more. We also have regular guest speakers from businesses, charities and organisations including Stonewall, and we are looking forward to welcoming an Auschwitz survivor to speak to the boys later this month. We also link into Everton in the Community, our older boys carry out fundraising activities, and last year held a Christmas dinner for older people.
“Studying languages and living abroad opened my eyes to new cultures and experiences, and this is something that I am passionate about when I talk to the boys about making the most of the opportunities available to them as part of the Everton Academy. They get the opportunity to travel, to meet people from different countries, and to be open to new experiences.
“I go on tour with them, alongside coaches, physios and medical staff. I wear a kit like the rest of the staff – that is significant because it shows that we are all an important part of the team around the boys, and that their personal development is just as important as their development as players.”
Louise is also responsible for the player and parent voice groups, gathering feedback and ideas.
She said: “It’s important to be constantly in communication with our Academy boys’ families. They give up their time to bring their sons to training regularly, and this means they are all part of the Academy journey – siblings too!”
Louise recently oversaw the development of a Family Lounge at USM Finch Farm, where families can relax and socialize while their children train.
Louise added: “I’m proud as an Evertonian, to play a part in shaping the players of the future, and knowing that whether our Academy boys play elite football or take a different path, they will do so as well-educated, well-rounded young people and with a range of options available to them.”
Amy Judge, Partnerships Account Executive (main picture, left)
Amy Judge’s experience in matchday hospitality and Everton in the Community’s fundraising team prepared her for her job as Partnerships Account Executive – a role which has seen her contribute to Everton’s commercial ambitions while also promoting the Club’s vision and values across the world.
“I come from a family of Blues – my mum is a Season Ticket Member – but it wasn’t until I started working as a matchday waitress that I really started to love the Club,” says Amy.
“The atmosphere and community spirit in the lounges is always brilliant – and I’d see everyone on a real high when we won. Working directly with fans gave me a real understanding of what it means to be an Evertonian.
“While I was working matchdays, I was accepted on an apprenticeship with Everton in the Community’s fundraising team. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, but after some reflection, I realised that I needed to take a different path – one that allowed me to use my creativity in a slightly different way.”
Meanwhile, Amy’s matchday role developed, which saw her assisting with commercial partnership activity.
“After that, I got a full-time role as a Partnerships Assistant; then, in 2016 I was promoted to Partnerships Account Executive, and the same year I was one of only 20 people at the Club to receive a High Achiever Award. That was a really big moment for me.
“My role now involves being the bridge between the Club and commercial partners, helping to develop content and activities that raise awareness of our partners and our shared values.
“One of my favourite jobs is working on the annual kit launch, which is a year-round task – from organising player shoots for products and managing sign off processes for marketing materials, to working with Fanatics to plan and deliver promotion at key times of year.
“In my time at Everton, I’ve noticed big improvements in myself – I have no problem speaking my mind, giving my opinion and bringing ideas to the table. I have also recently begun studying for a Diploma from the European Sponsorship Association, a professional qualification that will help me build and apply my expertise within my field.”
Amy was chosen to work on a landmark commercial deal for the Club – Lil-Lets’ official support of Everton Women. The deal, which began in 2019, was the first time Everton had signed a commercial partner solely to work with the Women’s team.
Amy has been involved in creating inspiring events and content, including the ‘My Journey’ video series featuring Danielle Turner, Gabby George and Lucy Graham, and a School Supporters’ Club visit which saw Everton Women players and Lil-Lets speak to schoolgirls about puberty and growing up.
“I love that we have been able to work together to share positive messaging about body confidence, self-esteem and the power of sport. Of course, we are a commercial team - but there is much more to it than that. For me, it is also about how our Club and partners can use our shared platform to promote positive messages and raise awareness in innovative and exciting ways.
“I am also passionate about increasing awareness about the range of jobs available in sport, and I have taken part in panels alongside colleagues, speaking to schoolgirls about the different jobs we do. There are definitely more women in sport now, working across all kinds of jobs, and I want to help those numbers to increase.
“Over the years I’ve noticed more women in the stands on matchdays, and more mums and dads taking their daughters to the match. As our female fanbase increases, I’m proud I’m helping to raise the profile of the women’s game and to develop our partnerships across the Club in a way that relates to our female fans.”
