"Chemistry, Biology, Toxic Misogyny..." plus poverty, equality, and the role of community in making the lives of people in Sunderland better are vital themes in this lovely pre-Christmas chat between Robyn Walker, singer in the up-and-coming Sunderland band BigFatBig - who provide the theme music for this podcast - and our outgoing host and editor Rich Speight.They talk about football, poverty, the parallels between the barriers faced by women in music and football, and the role of both the Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and other charities in the city centre that are making the lives of our young people better every day of the year.Please donate to the Roker Report Christmas Appeal for the Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen today - click here https://www.gofundme.com/f/sunderland-community-soup-kitchen-fundraiser-2022 Listen to more of BigFatBig's music and book tickets for their gig at the Ship Isis on 11 Feb here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the interview we've been waiting the whole season to bring you. Maggie Murphy is the CEO of Lewes FC, who play Sunderland Women on Sunday at Eppleton CW.She's also the founder of Equal Playing Field, a global charity that works in communities to promote human rights and women's equality through football, and sits on the WSL and Women's Championship board - so we had plenty to talk about.In this podcast, we explore her inspirational journey from youth player on the Isle of Wight into football administration at Lewes, via the Tanzanian Cup final and a record-breaking game at the top of Mt Kilimanjaro.How did the Qatar World Club bid motivate Maggie to get involved in football?Why is fan-owned Lewes such a unique football club?How has their model evolved since she has been running the club?Is there a future for part-time teams in the WSL structures?How can clubs like Lewes and Sunderland have an influence in shaping the future of the women's game?Is Sunday's game the longest away trip in English football?Get answers to all these questions and so much more in our wide-ranging chat, then get down to Eppleton on Sunday and support the Sunderland Lasses as they take on the Rooks from Sussex in our last home league fixture of the calendar year.Match tickets: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/safc/EDP/Event/Index/1848?position=1Equal Playing Field: https://equalplayingfield.global/Lews FC - Equal FA Cup campaign: https://lewesfc.com/football-for-good/equal-prize-money-campaign/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bumper podcast with the assistant gaffa and the host of our opposition's podcast. What a way to start your weekend!Please do complete our reader & listener survey to tell us how we can make our coverage of SAFC Women even better https://tinyurl.com/RRLassesSurvey22 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lasses beat Palace 0-2 and now face London City Lionesses at 11am on Sunday at Hetton, and the U23s won 10-0 against Chester-Le-Street Reserves. Plenty for these old men to discuss.You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on Roker Report - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HerGameToo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our special guest this week is Alex Clark, the man who basically runs the SAFC Women off the pitch, who speaks candidly about what is happening at the club.What's the crack?How's morale in the squad after the tough start to the season?Why Jonno Craig is the right man to be the new goalkeeping coachAn injury update on Hutchinson and TowersRecruiting dedicated commercial, media, and fan engagement staff for the LassesReflections on attendances and an honest assessment of the SoL doubleheaderAlex gives us a reassuring insight into safeguarding and player welfare in light of the NWSL Report into abuse in the women's gameHow the club is engaging in the Karen Carney review of women's football and discussions on the future of the game.You can take part in Karen Carney's review of women's football by completing the official Call for Evidence form.UEFA Report into the impact of the EurosGive us a like, a 5* rating, and a review, and please share the pod with your friends and on your social media! Seriously, it helps so much.Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.sbnation.com on social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLasses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lasses have the weekend to themselves as Sunderland take on Charlton Athletic at Eppleton on Sunday morning (11.30am kick off). We did a preview twitter space on Tuesday but didn't hit "record", so here is our chat with Charlton fan Sam Clarke as well as Ant & Fieldo's takes on the changes they want to see in Sunderland's starting line-up.Vote for Roker Report in the Football Content Awards before 9 October.You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HerGameToo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, it's been a manic summer with the Euros and all that... and before the new Lasses season gets going, we've got a perfect pallet cleanser. Our special guest is Carrie Dunn - writer, broadcaster, author, and all-round pioneer of the football media. Our analyst and football bookworm Charlotte Patterson makes her hosting debut. What's the crack?Being a childhood Luton Town supporter and teenage activist turned off men's football by Mike Newell's sexism. Watch "Trouble at the Top" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi4hNLvZVPM The progress made in the coverage of the gameCarrie's book 'Unsuitable for Females': The Rise of the Lionesses and Women's Football in England - the stories of women in the game over 150 yearsThe Lionesses' success this summer and its impactThe risks and benefits of the commercialisation of the gameBuy Carrie Dunn's book here https://www.waterstones.com/book/unsuitable-for-females/carrie-dunn/9781913759056 Give us a like, a 5* rating, a review, and share with the pod with your friends and on your social media!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLionesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are the Champions, my friend. Today we celebrate with new Lionesses fans and young Sunderland supporters - Millie & Chloe - and their dad, Roker Report's Brett Lyons-Davis. This summer is all about people like them as well as the brilliant players and coaches who've given us this moment.Please like and subscribe to the podcast, give us a rating and share with your friends and family. Your support means the world to us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are in the final of Euro 2022, and we have the perfect guest to talk about the formative years of all the former Sunderland players in the squad as well as the impact of their success on the next generation of footballers in the north east. This one is not to be missed!You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!What's the crack...Steph's early days at SAFC with Jill Scott and Steph HoughtonThe highlights of her career, including the FA Cup Final alongside Lucy Bronze and Jordan NobbsBeing a key mentor to a young Beth MeadHer thoughts on England under Sarina WiegmanThe future of north east football and Sunderland AFC Women after Euro 2022Being a PE teacher bringing through the next batch of female footballersThe big game on SundayPlease give us a like, a 5* rating, a review, and share with pod with your friends and on your social media - it really helps to spread the message!Our pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - you can stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLionesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England 4-0 Sweden. You've seen the goals, now hear two Mackem lads patter on about it and get all philosophical about the impact this tournament is having on the future of our national game. Then hear how our Milton Keynes lot are enjoying the semi finals and we all look forward to Sunday evening's big game at Wembley. You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!What's the crack...How good were England?How good is Wiegman?What does it mean when blokes in working men's clubs are cheering on the Lionesses?What can Sunderland AFC and other clubs learn from this summer?Will we see Demi, Jill, Lucy, and Beth lift the trophy on Sunday evening?Give us a like, a 5* rating, a review, and share with pod with your friends and on your social media!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLionesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are through and Jen's been on the "hoy" in Newcastle between covering games at Euro 2022. With an exclusive chat with Durham and Northern Ireland's former SAFC star Sarah McFadden from the (very noisy) media Mix-zone in Brighton last Friday, get your lugs around this before Wednesday's big game against Spain.You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!What's the crack...England embrace the heat and march onWill it rain before Spain?Sarah McFadden is a legendHow Sunderland tried to sign Fran KirbyPredictions for WednesdayGive us a like, a 5* rating, a review, and share with pod with your friends and on your social media!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLionesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The reaction pod you've been waiting for - three overjoyed Mackems are here to say just how good Sunderland product Beth Mead is - if you hadn't worked that out already. You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!What's the crack...How good was Meado?How good was the atmosphere?The impact of England's performance on other sides in the EurosSAFC Women It's Pizza belly rather than hotdog belly as Brett and the girls see Finland get knocked out at MK.Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLionesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a heatwave!!! We're enjoying the Euros so far, loads of goals, loads of fans, it's class to be honest. We've got all the latest from the Lionesses and Sunderland AFC Women as the competition is now is heating up.You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!What's the crack...A look back on England's win at Old Trafford on Wednesday The other games so far (up to Saturday evening)Brett's Audio Diary featuring Chloe and MillieSAFC Women's fixtures releasedLasses open training on Monday 6.15pm on Seaburn beach, meetup after in STACK at 7.15pm...and more!!!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLionesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's finally here! Euro 2022 kicks on at Old Trafford on Wednesday 6th July 2022, and Roker Report - The Lasses will be bringing you coverage of the England Lionesses from a Mackem Perspective - including our Brett's Euro 2022 diary.You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!What's the crack...Jen O'Neill's thoughts on the England squadCharlotte picks our the players likely to starJen's view of Alissa RussoBrett's Euro 2022 Diary!The impact this summer could have on clubs like Sunderland AFCOur tournament predictions ...and more!!!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HawayTheLionesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a busy few days for Sunderland supporters with lots of announcements on a range of topics, so Charlotte and Rich got together on Thursday night to talk about the latest news from SAFC Women. You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - the podcast is brought to you in association with Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and HerGameToo - get stuck in!What's the crack...Mel & Steph's new contractsSecuring the core of the squad on new contractsReleasing Maria FarrugiaSigning Nicki Gear and Abby Holmes from DurhamUnder 23s join the Durham FC Division 1 for 2022/23Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbigDiscover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlasses#SAFC #HerGameToo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Local lass Gemma Wilson grew up playing football on the streets of Washington and went on to represent our club as a no-nonsense central defender in our famous 2009 run in the FA Cup, she three WPL titles including a league and league cup double, a WSL2 title, and was part of the squad that took us to the top of the WSL. Not too shabby a career then!Wilson retired in 2015 after a career that included coming through the ranks with Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, and Carly Telford, playing alongside Mel Reay, Kelly McDougall, Beth Mead, Demi Stokes, and Lucy Bronze amongst many other great names in women's football. She's also a massive Sunderland fan and very nervous about the Lads' trip to Wembley for the League 1 playoff final.Roker Report's Women's Football Editor Rich Speight sat down with Gemma for an hour for a wide-ranging interview that will give you a first hand overview of the recent history of our club.You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - we're brought to you by the Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and Her Game Too - get stuck in!Discover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlassesWhat are we talking about?Gemma being a mascot at Roker Park.Starting out at Sunderland AFC as a player and the setup like for young girls coming through at that time.The FA Cup run in 2009 and that win at the Stadium of Light against Chelsea. Mixed emotions from Gemma about that whole campaign.Not being selected to join the inaugural WSL and the loss of a generation of young players. Could SAFC have done more to secure our place then?Playing in and consistently winning the WPL when the WSL was up and running without the prospect of promotion.The players and their families keeping the flame of women’s football aliveThe WPL Cup win at Northampton, just a week after winning the league - a fantastic couple of weeks for the Lasses League reorganisations and demotions.The high point in our history with the fourth-place finish in the WSL and the difficult decision to retire in 2015Her career outside of the gameWhat does she think of the lasses who are playing today and the work Mel is doing?We’ve got a big summer ahead with the Euros with a fair few of your former teammates involved, and Gemma's excited about the Lionesses' prospectsWhere do you think SAFC Women and the game, in general, is going? Do you think we can regain our WSL status in the next few years?  Finally, Cheesy Chips on Wembley Way on Saturday!Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbig #SAFC #HerGameToo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our brand new show, Roker Report - The Lasses, dedicated, unashamedly, to women’s football and SAFC Women. We take women’s football seriously and aim to give the Sunderland Lasses and the FA Women’s Championship proper coverage. In the past, we’ve spoken on the Roker Rapport podcast to the likes of Beth Mead and Jen O’Neill, and we’ve been running the Lasses Podcast Live every week during the season, and have had some great guests on that too. But now we will be bringing you weekly podcasts during the regular season plus interviews with legends and current players, and special pods over the summer focusing on the Euros and Sunderland’s pre-season prep. Whether you’re new to women’s football or a long term fan of the lasses, there’s something for everyone.You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, YouTube and across your favourite podcast platforms - get stuck in! Discover our articles on rokerreport.com social media and network with other Lasses fans - go to linktr.ee/rrlassesWhat are we talking about?We look back across the 2021/22 season, including the key games against Coventry United, Sheffield United, Liverpool, Birmingham City, and Bristol City. We talk about some stuff that's gone under the radar this season.We take a little look forward to the next campaign and what Mel Reay needs to do in the transfer market this summer.Our new regular pod theme music is "Science" by bigfatbig - stream their music across all platforms - https://linktr.ee/bigfatbig #SAFC #HerGameToo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.