Interview took place on 1 May 2024. Isabelle has since moved to UNICEF UK.
From a Master’s degree in Business to a marketing role in grassroots football, Isabelle Chauzy’s journey into sport wasn’t a typical one. Now, as the Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury Football, she’s using her voice to open doors for young girls across London and change the narrative
It’s about showing girls that they’re
welcome here, no matter what.
Finding Her Footing in Football
Isabelle’s introduction to football was far from conventional. ‘I wasn’t involved in this world before I got the job,’ she admits. ‘I didn’t watch football. I didn’t play football. I still don’t play football.’
But despite her lack of experience in the sport, she brought a fresh perspective to Bloomsbury. ‘When we talk about real inclusivity, it’s about including people like me who aren’t ‘sporty,’’ she says. ‘I’m a woman who believes in social impact and the effect movement has on people. That’s what I brought to this space.’
Changing the Narrative for Girls
When Isabelle joined Bloomsbury Football in 2022, there were few women in the office – and fewer girls on the pitch. But she saw an opportunity to shift the culture. ‘I worked in a period-care start-up before and thought, why aren’t we providing products to our girls?’ she recalls. ‘There’s a massive stigma around menstruation, not only in sport but in life.’
Partnering with Freda, a sustainable care company, Bloomsbury began providing period products on the pitch for every girls’ session. ‘I’m extremely proud of this because it’s something tangible and close to my heart,’ she says. ‘It’s about showing girls that they’re welcome here, no matter what.’
Game Changers: Giving Girls a Platform
After the Women’s World Cup, Isabelle launched the Game Changers campaign – a powerful visual display in King’s Cross celebrating 16 young female players from Bloomsbury’s academy. ‘I remember seeing those boards and saying, we’re going to be on those one day,’ she says. ‘And we did it.’
The project was more than just a marketing campaign. ‘It was about showing our young people that they are role models just by showing up and being themselves,’ Isabelle explains. ‘Even if you’re 10, 12, 13 – you have a voice, and you belong in this game.’
Building a Career in Athletic Training
For Sarah, the path to athletic training started in high school. ‘I’ve always envisioned having a career in sport,’ she says. ‘When I got to NCC, I was inspired by the athletic training team, mostly led by women. It was motivating to work with powerful and inspiring women who were respected by male coaches and athletes.’
Now at NCC, Sarah is responsible for preventative rehab, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions for student athletes. ‘I’m currently assigned to the soccer and softball teams this year,’ she explains. ‘But I was previously involved mainly with the American football team, which was an incredible experience.’
Even if you’re 10, 12, 13 – you have a voice,
and you belong in this game.
Looking Ahead
For Isabelle, the mission is clear: break down barriers, open doors, and challenge stereotypes. ‘We want to get to a point where it’s based just on skills,’ she says. ‘If you’re able to do the best job, you’ve got the job – regardless of gender.’
And her advice for women looking to step into sport? ‘Don’t be too precious about the early stages of your career,’ she says. ‘Follow things that excite you, even if it’s not the sport you imagined. It’s about making an impact wherever you are.’
Women like Isabelle are the voices changing the game – on and off the field.
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