Our first-ever athlete sponsorship in football offers a fresh approach to traditional deals by providing players with unrestricted access to products that support every aspect of their lives, from sportswear and equipment to the latest sneakers and apparel.
In keeping with this vision, we sat down with Wales international, Tash Harding, and Team GB goalkeeper, Carly Telford, to talk about their lives both on and off the pitch, covering topics ranging from football and personal style, as well as their goals and ambitions as StockX athletes.
Why did you choose a partnership with StockX over more traditional sports brands?
Carly: StockX is not just a sports brand, but it provides a platform and opportunity for the fashion and sports communities to come together. For me, womenās sports and women, in general, are still not celebrated enough globally, so to feel valued in this space and have this opportunity to work with StockX, I couldnāt say no!
Tash: Why not!? For me, itās a sneaker dream come true! Itās not just the appeal of the sneakers and apparel, itās the support that they show for smaller brands. This is huge. It shows StockX arenāt all about ābig namesā but theyāre about the person, and it feels amazing to be chosen to represent the brand.Ā
Wales international and Reading FC captain, Tash Harding.
What are your aims and goals for the partnership?
Tash: I would like to take StockX into womenās football and especially Welsh football. Iād like to also use it as a platform to reach out to people. Using my voice for the LGBTQ+ community is dear to my heart and I think StockX is an incredible vehicle for this.Ā
Carly: I want to help StockX introduce itself to a wider audience and give people the opportunity to shop differently.
What side of your off-the-pitch personality do you carry on to the pitch?
Carly: Humble. I think Iāve been through all the generational changes in the womenās game and we are at an amazing point now. But Iāll never forget those that came before so that my teammates and I can enjoy the opportunities we do now.
Tash: Iām a very positive person and Iād like to think that is always evident on and off the pitch.
What people or moments have acted as a source of inspiration over the course of your career?
Carly: My mum and dad. We were a working-class family, but my dad managed to take me everywhere I needed to be. Then as I become a teenager, he taught me to be independent and to find my own way to do what I love. I think these life lessons have set me up to hopefully be a good footballer, but more importantly, a good person.
Tash: Obviously my family and partner have been amazing inspirations in my life. I have had some amazing coaches that Iāve worked under and have influenced my career in so many ways. But In terms of my football career right now, I would definitely say my representative, Georgie. Sheās always pushed me to be myself in whatever I do and is always there when it gets tough. She will hate me saying this about her but Iām not sure she gets the thanks she deserves!
StockX has been a supporter of the womenās game for a number of years.Ā In that time, weāve watched the womenās game grow at a rapid rate. What excites you most about this evolution?
Carly: Where it still can go, I think brands who see the opportunity in womenās sports early on will reap the rewards as it will only get bigger.
Tash: Female footballers are now being recognised across our screens and media as sporting heroes and voices of change. Itās incredible to witness the womenās game become a powerhouse in world sport.
Chelsea, England and Team GB Olympic goalkeeper, Carly Telford.
When youāre not playing football, how do you spend your time and find joy?
Carly: I love playing golf. Especially in the summer which is usually when I get most of my time off.
Tash: I have a 1-year-old Labrador and she keeps me and my partner on our toes for sure. She is the best thing that came out of the lockdown last year. Sheās amazing.
How has your personal style evolved over time?
Carly: Ha! Maybe I can show you all some old pics and let you decide? I like to think Iām now more feel comfortable in the way of dress and Iām more open to exploring new designers and different ways of pulling outfits together.
Tash: Yes, definitely! Iām more myself now and Iāve got to a point over the last few years where I donāt care if other people would wear my style or not. I like wearing things that show my personality and also looks fire with any shoe!
What advice would you give to the next generation of female football players?
Tash: Continue to work hard, never settle for anything less than the best and use your platform to change the game for those coming after you.
Carly: Enjoy it! With more media interest, there is more pressure, but try not to let what started as fun as a kid become something you donāt like. Itās just a game. Also, always have a fallback. Money will come but not necessarily enough to live on forever.
