Greenwood joined Everton’s academy at a young age, making her first-team debut at just 16. That experience was one of the reasons she wanted to help pave the way for girls to get into the game. “I was fortunate enough that I could turn professional quite young. I appreciated everyone who came before; they had to work so incredibly hard for the game to be in the position it was, even then.”
For Greenwood, surrounding the girls in her academy with the right support was also crucial. “I wanted it to be an all-female staff. So, if something’s happened at school, at home, they have someone at football that they can speak to, or girls who they can talk to and feel comfortable with. It was so important for me to do that.”
It was bringing home the EURO trophy with England in 2022 that turned the academy from a ‘one day’ dream into a reality. “It came off the back of the EUROs,” she says. “A lot of ideas came off the back of that.” For Greenwood, England’s victory marked a sea change, both for women’s football as a sport but also for herself personally. “When we won, it was like a firework went off. We were, like, ‘OK, wow, life’s completely changed, both on and off the pitch,’ and for everyone it happened that quickly. It was almost like you couldn’t keep up with it.”
She’s hopeful that a Champions League win for Manchester City might bring the same impact. As someone who has lifted the iconic trophy before, she fully understands the significance of that moment. “I just want this club to experience the Champions League final and winning it,” she says, shaking her head in disbelief as she recalls the moment she triumphed with Lyon. “I honestly can’t put into words the feeling of winning that trophy. It’s one of the best days of my footballing career.”
She takes a moment to think, gesturing around the indoor pitch we’re currently sitting on. “What I would give for this club to have that opportunity. What I will continue to give… I just think a day like that with this football club is what we want and deserve.” Whether it’s a Champions League win at the very top of the game or a safe place to play for girls just starting out, Alex Greenwood is all about making sure female footballers get what they rightfully merit.
