Jess Fassnidge | #WeSeeYou Network
Just over a week ago, City skipper Jess Fassnidge was invited to attend the #WeSeeYou Network weekend experience on behalf of an initiative between Three UK and Chelsea Football Club.
The #WeSeeYou Network is a culture-shifting initiative, building a long-term community of role models.
It recognises the all-too-often hidden women who are the lynchpins of their sporting communities and nurtures those who are set to do great things in the future.
By combining its extensive network with local sports communities, the initiative continues to foster a positive culture around women in sport at all levels, ensuring they are seen, recognised, and rewarded.
How did you become aware of the #WeSeeYou Network, and what made you want to get involved?
I received an email that invited me to attend the event after receiving a nomination that someone had put me forward as a 'Passionate Player'.
The individual who nominated me is a huge women's football fan and has been to our games to support the First Team at Sixways.
I was involved in a talk where my colleague and I presented on 'ACLs in sport' at a local sixth form, where this individual was in the audience listening to the talk.
I later found out they had nominated me as an inspiring player after the event, and as a result of the talk, they were really interested in going down the Sports Therapy route. As soon as I found out, it was a no-brainer to attend such an incredible opportunity!
Talk to us about the #WeSeeYou Network event weekend. What did you take away from attending?
The event was jam-packed with activities from walking pitch-side, watching the Chelsea vs Liverpool game on the final day of the WSL 24/25 season, embracing the trophy lift and post-match celebrations, attending a private event at Under the Bridge to watch a live podcast recording which included ex-professional footballers, a tour and training session at Cobham training ground and networking with other like-minded players across all levels of the game.
The experience allowed me to connect with people from all over the world with varying backgrounds, passions, and occupations.
The experience is one that will last a lifetime and has been a refreshing reminder of how much I love women's football and the potential growth it has.
We are only really getting started!
How do you think the #WeSeeYou Network is enhancing opportunities throughout women's football?
Three UK and Chelsea Women's Football Club worked together to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who was nominated. Campaigns like the '#WeSeeYou' network allow people across all levels of the game with different roles and hats to come together to experience something quite special.
The staff from Three and Chelsea could not do enough to make sure those nominated really did feel seen. Campaigns such as this enhance the perception of women's football but provide an unseen access which many people are often not privy to. It brings together passionate and inspiring women in one place to collaborate on the game we all love so deeply.
What would you say to anybody reading this who is interested in getting involved with the #WeSeeYou Network?
Now that I know about it and have experienced the event firsthand, I would recommend that if this event goes ahead in the future, to nominate someone who deserves to be seen. There are so many amazing people working under the radar and progressing the women's game forward that they deserve to be recognised.
Events like this have the power to provide opportunities to those who would not usually get to experience such events as this campaign. Particularly in clubs that may be independently run, grassroots level, or require volunteers, it provides a great opportunity to allow people across the game to feel seen for their hard work and effort.
Have you taken away any new skills from the event that can be implemented at WCWFC?
Any time you are networking with new people or unfamiliar faces, it can always seem daunting, regardless of your age, confidence, and experience levels.
In terms of skills, it is always good practice to connect with other people in a sector or a passion you have, and that is something I always take away from these events.
Go in open-minded and embrace every second of it, as you never know who you are going to meet.
I think this event really reminded me more of why I fell in love with football, because although the wins feel important and any trophies you take away are a natural highlight, it is often the moments you create with your teammates, coaches, staff, and club which remain.