“Out of National Women’s Team”: Experiences of former Ghanaian Players

In Africa, very few women hold leadership positions in sports organisations. Encouraging women, especially former athletes to get involved in the development and management of sport is essential on the continent. This paper explores the experiences of former female national team players in the context of Ghana football. The current study gives preference to their motives for playing football and their experiences along their career paths. The results presented are based on two in-depth interviews with former female national players aged between 42 and 47 years. The interviewees’ responses suggest that various motives play a role in their football choices including siblings' support (e.g., among males), fun, opportunity to travel abroad, national and social recognition, passion and encouragement from loved ones in their communities. However, they experienced certain difficult moments that can provide important lessons for young female players, which may offer them the opportunity to enhance both their economic and social status. The study concludes by discussing empirical data that shed light on their experiences and post-career opportunities to drive policy development on women’s sport.