Queens Of Leicester

Kadeeja Limalia, Leicester, England

Goal Click have teamed up with EE to tell the stories of UK grassroots teams born out of adversity - that have overcome hate with hope, with the aim of making the beautiful game more inclusive for all. Because there is a place in football for everyone. 

Kadeeja Limalia plays for Vicky Park Queens, a team founded in 2021 by This Fan Girl Founder Amy Drucquer in her home city of Leicester. In true grassroots spirit, the team train on the grass at Victoria Park and the club is driven by an ethos to create a space for all women and non-binary people. Beginners, mothers, women wearing hijab, everyone is welcome. Despite there being no league in Leicester, since its creation the club has brought together 55 women and promotes the need for greater activity in Leicester. 

Inspired? To find your place in football, in England, head here.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us how your football life began?

My name is Kadeeja Limalia, from Leicester and I am a graphic designer. I have been a part of Vicky Park Queens for almost a year. I have always been into sport from a young age and definitely enjoyed playing football at school or at the park with my brothers. I also loved watching sports with my family on TV when I could.

What has your football journey been like up until now? 

I played when and where I could during school, joining after-school and lunch time clubs but I never really had the opportunity to pursue anything outside of school. I had to fight the cultural sexism that women should not be playing football and had to fight for my place on the football ground.

I was someone that enjoyed all team sports and not just one. Sports really became an outlet for me and a space to relax, be free and enjoy myself.  After graduating university in 2021 I still wanted to play a sport and continue to be part of a community that I had at school, college, and then university, so I joined VPQ and have not regretted it!

What did you try to capture with your photos? Was there a wider meaning with the photos?

The photos show the Vicky Park Queens players. As someone who does not really take many photos, I just really enjoyed capturing the moments during the amazing month of women's football (during the Euros). I also wanted to show the community and social aspect of our community whether at training or during social events.

The majority of them are with the Queens at training or watching the Euros games together. You can see all the emotions during the watch-alongs and all the fun and smiles during our training sessions. I enjoyed capturing Zahra, our coach during training. She is a great leader and I have seen her grow and embrace the coaching role.

What are the opportunities for women's and non-binary players to participate in your community?

There are numerous opportunities available for women and non-binary players, no matter their football ability. Everyone is so welcoming and you are guaranteed to have a fun and enjoyable time at every training session.

I joined VPQ to have a place to play but also for the social aspect - to make friends and meet people I would not normally meet. Having a place to play has been so positive for my mental health also. When I first joined, everyone was so welcoming and embraced me with open arms. My only regret was not joining sooner.

Football has also recently become a part of my work life. Being able to design and create content for This Fan Girl (a media platform and community for football fans powered by women) around the Euros was a great opportunity for me.

What ambitions do you have for the future? What do you think the future looks like for football in your community?

I hope to continue being creative in the football world, especially in women's football. I want to use my creativity to share stories and create content that pushes women's football further into the limelight. I hope to inspire the younger versions of me and show her that there is a place for someone of my culture and background to pursue their passion in football.

I think VPQ is only just getting started and the Euros will only boost the exposure around women's football. I am always excited for newcomers to join. I am excited to be a part of more tournaments and play with other local women's teams.

How important is it for male allies to fight sexist abuse?

The honest truth is that men are more likely to listen to other men and therefore I think it is so important for men to fight against sexist abuse and hate by being able to call it out amongst their peers and in their own circles. Creating a safe space within their own circle in person will enforce the positive culture of supporting women and fighting sexist hate when they see it online.

Series edited by Emma Walley.