Breaking Stereotypes: What Is It Like to Be a Woman in Football?

Ahead of this important holiday, we asked the women working in the League and clubs one question: What is it like to be a woman in football? Here are their responses.

Nargiz Nyssanova, Academy Manager of FC Kairat: Being a woman in football is not just a challenge but also a great advantage. I am proud that my work can serve as an example for other women who aspire to work in sports. Women in football are becoming more visible, and that is incredibly inspiring.

Tamara Akhmetali, Mental Preparation Expert at Freedom QJ League: For me, being a woman in football means overcoming stereotypes, breaking barriers, feeling unique and supported, and having the opportunity to be a role model for others.

Anel Zhumabekova, Marketing Specialist at FC Tobol: Being a woman in football means contributing to the development of the sport, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring others. Working at a club, I see how football brings people together, creates emotions, and opens new opportunities. It’s not just a game — it’s a whole culture where there is a place for everyone, regardless of gender.

Saltanat Abdizhapparova, Media Officer at FC Ontustik: For me, being a woman in football as a media officer is a new and exciting experience. It’s an opportunity to tell the story of the game loved by millions, immerse myself in its atmosphere, and grow in a field where quick reactions, high-quality content creation, and breaking stereotypes are essential. This job requires professionalism, responsibility, and a deep love for football. And I am happy to be part of a large, united team.

Zhanna Malgazhdarova, Analyst Expert at Freedom QJ League: Being a woman in football is incredibly inspiring! The opportunity to coach a team, guide players in their development, and help them achieve results requires great strength, knowledge, and love for the game. It is also a challenge, as women in coaching roles often face different opinions, but that only adds strength and confidence!

Anna Chernenko, Marketing Specialist at FC Ontustik: Working at a football club is not just a profession for me — it’s a way of life. Here, you can’t remain a mere spectator; you live through every match, every goal, every roar of the stands. I love that moment before a game when the tension fills the air, when fans lose their voices cheering, when the team steps onto the field, and you know — you’re part of this big football world. For me, it’s not just a job; it’s the chance to be inside the game, feel its rhythm, and experience every victory and every challenge alongside everyone else.

Aidanа Kuanyshbayeva, Media Officer for QJ League Teams at FC Altai: Being a woman in football means breaking the stereotype that "football is only for men" and taking every defeat of your team to heart.

Layla Akylbekova, Team Doctor for QJ League at FC Zhetysu: Football is amazing; it’s a part of life you simply can’t do without. At one point, it even helped me a lot emotionally. You forget that you’re a woman—you’re just the Doc. Football brings millions of people together, the League is growing in popularity, and it has been incredibly exciting to work here. Thank you to the QJ League project!

Amina Mukhtarova, Media Officer for QJ League Teams at FC Irtysh: Being a woman in football means that a love for the game has turned into a way of life. I live in this rhythm and am happy to have found a job that I truly enjoy. I have gained a big family in the form of colleagues and players who are always ready to support me and my ideas. They trust me, and that is incredibly important when working in a male-dominated environment.

Natalya Ivanova, Assistant Coach of Zhas Kyran U-18: Being a woman in football means teamwork, on-field interaction, and understanding the importance of trust and support. It is also about mental well-being, which strengthens not only the body but also the spirit — sports activity helps develop a positive mindset. It is a fight against gender inequality. Through the training process, you gain confidence in yourself and your abilities!