Palace hosts Black Girls in Sport: A Conversation workshop

Women

21 Mar 2026

Following the launch of our Black History in Football Exhibition in October, the club recently hosted a workshop called: "Black Girls in Sport: A Conversation", where experts, staff, and players discussed the systemic challenges faced by Black women in the sporting world.

We were joined by Rachel Williams, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Women in Sport, who presented eye-opening research on the current landscape for young Black athletes.

She said: “Women in Sport’s research showed that Black girls love sport. Almost twice as many Black girls than white British girls dream of reaching the top in sport.

"Sport is valued more highly by Black girls than any other group, for the joy and freedom it offers.

"But sport is currently failing Black girls. Black girls are the least active group of girls in England and 1 in 2 feel they have to downplay their cultural identity in sport. This isn’t ok.”

Palace players Allyson Swaby and Ashleigh Weerden were also there to share their experiences.

Swaby said: "I grew up in a predominantly white neighbourhood, so I was used to being the only Black girl.

"I spent a lot of my younger years feeling like I'm standing out like a sore thumb. I had a strong desire to blend in.

"At Palace, I've felt welcome from the moment I walked in."

Ashleigh Weerden also reflected on those formative years, noting how her attitude was perceived differently to her white counterparts.

"When my white teammates played with intensity, it was called passion. When I did too, it was perceived as aggression," she said.

Women’s Safeguarding Officer Stephanie Allen reflected on the event, and the importance of having these conversations.

She said: “This event was chance for ‘us’ Black girls to be seen for who we are and not for how well we fit in.

"Sharing my raw experience of being a Black girl in sport was both vulnerable and empowering.

"We had conversations that shed light on our lived experiences both negative and positive to highlight that there is a need for change and for our greatness to not be dismissed and marginalised but rather to be embraced and championed because we are proud of our identity.

"I am grateful to be apart of CPFC where we do not shy away from difficult conversations, we face obstacles with optimism and with a mission of positive change."

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