Desert Island Discs Jill Scott on her start in football
Oct 7, 2025
Jill Scott shares her journey from wearing second-hand kits to becoming a champion with the Lionesses. She recounts her three-hour commutes to Everton at just 17, navigating with paper maps. The former footballer highlights camaraderie from sofa-surfing with teammates during tough times. Balancing work and late-night training slots, Jill emphasizes the early joy of the game over financial concerns. Her reflections shed light on the historical pay disparity in women's football, driving home the passion that fueled her career.
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Hand‑Me‑Down Kit And Pride
- Jill describes receiving men's hand-me-down kit and searching for her initials in a big black bag each pre-season.
- She recalls red jumpers gone pink and oversized shorts but felt proud to take kit home and belong.
Teenage Road Trips To Join Everton
- At 17 Jill drove herself three hours each way from Sunderland to sign for Everton using an AA roadmap and vivid road directions.
- She sofa‑surfed with teammates and made the long trips up to three times a week while working at Gateshead College.
Late Training Slots, Big Smiles
- Jill explains training slots were late because the women's team got the final pitch time after men and youth finished, often 8–10pm.
- Despite long journeys and late finishes, she felt immense joy playing with England professionals and starting her international career.