Bow Jackson: Fuel Your Passion: My Journey Through Football – A Story of Resilience, Growth, and Passion
Football has been a defining force in my life. It has given me incredible moments, opened doors to opportunities I never imagined, and instilled in me a relentless drive to succeed. But let me tell you, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. It’s been a rollercoaster of challenges, sacrifices, and lessons that have shaped the person I am today. Balancing football with university life was no easy feat. Juggling deadlines, long hours of studying, and the demands of training and competing at a high level taught me time management the hard way. There were days when it felt like I was living four lives at once—trying to stay on top of coursework, traveling across the country for matches, and still carving out time for a social life (or even a quick surf). It wasn’t easy, but those moments built a resilience I still rely on today.
I’ll never forget the late nights—those long bus rides home after midweek training sessions or away games. Sometimes, I’d roll in at 2 a.m., only to wake up early for work the next morning. Those moments tested me. They made me question why I was doing it all. But they also gave me clarity. Every tough day became fuel—a reminder that the sacrifices I was making had meaning, that my commitment had a purpose.
Football has also been a journey of education—not just for me, but for others. I’ve had the privilege of living in a world where people respect the sport and the dedication it demands. I’ve seen the game grow, and I’ve been part of that growth. But I’ve also faced the challenge of educating those who were less open-minded. I’ve had to help people—especially children—understand that football isn’t just a man’s game.
When I first started playing and coaching, I often heard comments like, “It’s really big in America,” or “America loves female football players.” The implication was that I’d need to move to the States, call it “soccer,” and only then would it be respected as a women’s sport. But I stayed. I stayed in the UK—the birthplace of football—because I believed in the potential of the women’s game here. After all, let’s not forget the history: women’s football was thriving in the UK until The FA banned it. But that’s a story for another day.
Today, the landscape is changing. The Women’s Super League (WSL) is attracting talent from all over the world. I’ll never forget my first start in the WSL, facing Arsenal at home. I had the “pleasure” of marking Heather O’Reilly, an American legend. The irony wasn’t lost on me.
Looking Ahead
The truth is, I’m not much of a planner. I prefer to keep my options open, embrace opportunities as they come, and take life—and football—as it comes. For me, it’s not about narrowing my path to a single destination. It’s about staying open, learning as I go, and making the most of every step along the way.
What I do know is this: I want to help grow the women’s game in any way I can. Whether it’s through playing, coaching, or inspiring the next generation, I’m committed to pushing the sport forward. Football has given me so much, and I want to give back. I want to be part of the movement that ensures the women’s game continues to thrive and inspire.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every sacrifice. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Football isn’t just a sport to me—it’s a way of life, a platform for change, and a source of endless inspiration. Here’s to the future of the women’s game—and to all of us who are working to make it brighter.
You´ve got this - Bow Jackson - Captain Exeter City FC
