"It Starts Here"

20 July 2022

60s

Aysia ascending.

Teenage footballer Aysia is her team's "hat-trick person"—one goal is never enough. She's also the new face of Nationwide's mutual respect campaign, which aims to stamp out abuse from the touchlines. As a Black girl, Aysia reckons it's about time.

"I wouldn't miss the hate comments and all that," she says. "I try to ignore them, but sometimes if it gets really bad the parents just start arguing." Thus, the uglification of the beautiful game continues at full volume.

Yet the striker also knows that support is always within earshot. Whether it's family, friends, or teammates, these are the voices that matter most—the ones that make her believe she can make it as a professional.

Aisya's maturity and enthusiasm make her easy to root for, underlining the stupidity of those who abuse her. If she goes on to score a hat-trick for England in a World Cup or European Championship final, how will the haters react then?

UK

Building Societies