From studying History and Politics at the University of York to helping establish the world’s first Independent Football Regulator, Helen has built an inspiring career in sport – and she’s only just getting started.

She shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her advice for Sheffield Girls’ pupils: stay curious, embrace unexpected opportunities, and trust that your skills can take you further than you ever imagined.

Can you share with us a bit about your career journey since leaving Sheffield Girls’?

After leaving Sheffield Girls’ in 2017, I studied History and Politics at the University of York, graduating in 2020, before completing a Master’s degree in Conflict, Governance and Development in 2021.

I began my career in academic publishing with MDPI in Manchester, before joining the Civil Service as an Executive Assistant at The Insolvency Service. I was promoted to Executive Manager within six months, where I gained experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic operations, and organisational change.

I then joined the Football Governance Team at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as a Stakeholder Engagement and Strategy Lead. The team supported the passage of the Football Governance Act, creating the world’s first Independent Football Regulator. I later joined the Shadow Football Regulator team to help set up the new organisation.

Since November 2025, I have worked as a Stakeholder Engagement and Strategy Advisor at the Independent Football Regulator, leading on stakeholder relations, public affairs, and communications across government, leagues, clubs, and fan groups.

What influenced you to take this career path, and what are you doing now?

I have always loved sport, so it’s a real privilege to build a career in football. My role allows me to work with a wide range of people and organisations, from senior leaders at clubs to everyday fans.

Being part of the team establishing the Independent Football Regulator has been a unique and historic experience. Contributing to a new organisation from the ground up, with no existing blueprint, has been both challenging and incredibly exciting.

Are you involved in any groups or initiatives alongside your professional work?

I am a member of Women in Football, a network dedicated to increasing women’s representation and driving positive change across the sport.

Football remains a male-dominated industry, so it is important to me to be part of an organisation that supports and empowers women, and helps create more inclusive opportunities across the game.

What advice would you give to current Sheffield Girls’ pupils as they think about their future careers?

Don’t get too fixed on what you think your career should look like. When I was at university, I never imagined I would end up working in football, but careers rarely follow a straight line, and that’s often a really good thing.

Your skills are far more transferable than you realise, and unexpected opportunities can lead to something incredibly rewarding. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Your career doesn’t need to be fully mapped out early on, exploring different paths is part of the journey.