Today marks the 114th global International Women’s Day, and the Wolves squad, in an initiative led by captain Nelson Semedo, celebrated with the women who work closest to the Old Gold first-team.
This week at Compton Park Semedo, Matt Doherty and Dan Bentley distributed gifts to their female colleagues, marking International Women’s Day, which both celebrates women’s achievements and raises awareness for the date, which each years tries to move us towards a more gender-equal world.
On their rounds of Compton, the players spent time with and handed out gifts to first-team doctor Kai Win, head of player care Lisa Hollis, head chef Melissa Forde and Sarah Egerton on reception, along with a number of other female members of staff.
Each plays a crucial role in the mechanism of the Wolves first-team. For skipper Semedo, who works closely with all on a daily basis, the opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day with his female colleagues was one he deemed both enjoyable and important.
“I think it's important to give them the recognition that they deserve,” he said. “We have some women that are really important for us here at the club, and I think everybody thinks the same, all the squad feels the same about them.
“Probably, most people on the outside won’t notice them, but a lot of the work is in the background. Maybe the one that appears more in public is Kai, because she’s obviously in the game and she has to go to the pitch [to treat injured players], but they all work super hard.
“Lisa is making sure that everything is perfect, making sure that we don't have to worry about anything apart from football. Mel is doing our food so we can be fully prepared for the games. Sarah is taking care of the extra stuff we need as well. So, we have to thank them and to appreciate what they do for us.”
Last week, as Wolves’ Emirates FA Cup tie at Bournemouth progressed into extra time, tired legs, knocks and injuries were all that little bit more noticeable. The Old Gold battled through to penalties, but it was the breaks after 90 minutes and at half-time of extra time when Kai and the medical team came to the fore.
They were providing on-the-pitch massages and stretching techniques to prepare the players for a length of match they’d not previously experienced this year, making them crucial. While medical assistance is part of her job, it’s a positivity and energy brought to the players whereby Kai goes above and beyond, says Semedo.
“Kai’s a really nice person, I really like her, and she's a really good professional as well. She always there, always friendly, even when sometimes things don't go well, always positive, it’s an energy in the games, and I think we're very lucky to have her.”
International Women’s Day began in 1911 and belongs to all who care about women’s equality. The date celebrates women’s achievements, while also raising awareness of discrimination in society.
We are all striving towards a world free of bias and stereotypes. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. International Women’s Day encompasses all of those targets.
Semedo is a son to his mother, a husband to his wife and a father to his daughter. He’s surrounded by women who have a huge influence on him every day, and International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate those females close to him in his personal life, as well as at work.
“It’s a recognition, as they are all important. We have women that are really important in our lives – our mums, our wives, our daughters, in my case for example. They give so much of themselves to make us be the best we can be. So, we have to give back as well.
“It’s a great celebration. I make sure that I make the women in my life know that I really appreciate them, especially my wife, she's always there, my daughter as well, my mom, they’re all very important to me. So, I just let them know that I really love them, and I really appreciate them for being there for me always.”
