The 21st Century has seen an emergence of a new age for women’s sport.

Historical women’s sport protestors could never have dreamt the progressions that have been made.

Millions of viewers tuning in to watch the Lionesses bring a coveted trophy home, females calling the shots as World Cup referees and women finally able to receive funding for their athletic talent; it’s enough to make greats like Lilly Parr extremely proud.

International Women’s Day arrives assertively without fail every year, reinstating the values that trailblazing women athletes lay down every time they step onto a pitch, tie up their laces or clutch a microphone.

If you live in Tameside and Glossop, you will most likely rub shoulders with our very own local superstars, pioneering for greater freedom in their sport.

Our first standout athlete comes from the world of motorsport. 16-year-old Alisha Palmowski was crowned the winner of the 2022 Ginetta Junior Scholarship, becoming just the second ever female to win this prize.

This confirmed her place on the Ginetta Junior grid, an accolade that well-known drivers Lando Norris and Jamie Chadwick also embarked on.

Alisha has proven to have an impeccable talent, determined to show she can fulfil a career as an athlete. The St Philip Howard student ended her 2022 campaign in the most inspiring way, finishing second in the Winter Series.

Not only was this achievement key for Alisha’s racing CV, but it also provided her with a great confidence boost ahead of the 2023 season.

Alisha is the embodiment of influential woman in sport, who will undoubtedly carve her name into the history books.

Manchester is known for its love of football, but even closer to home Tameside is a hotspot for the sport.

Greater Manchester is home to over 50 women’s teams, according to the Manchester FA, and one team making waves locally is Curzon Ashton.

The squad have smashed every expectation set for them at the beginning of the season. Newly promoted, Curzon Ashton have proven to be a strong, impenetrable team, earning more and more achievements as they progress through the league.

They are set to face Cheadle Stingers in the final of the Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup, a place they never believed they would reach.

Curzon are keen to invite more girls onto the pitch. When they lace their boots and pull on their jersey, they brush away the expectations of their everyday life, and for 90 minutes they just become players, fuelled with freedom.

The passion of the Lionesses travelled across the UK in the summer of 2022, reaching every household and planting seeds for the future of women’s sport.

Campaigns such as Her Game Too are assisting in the mission to raise awareness of sexism in sport. This voluntary run campaign has gained huge traction online, and most recently the logo was proudly sported by West Bromwich Albion in training.

Her Game Too ambassadors can often be seen in strong numbers at games across the country, highlighting the key issues that women still face in the sporting community.

Another sport loved by vast amounts of the community is running, with several training groups to choose from.

It would be impossible to name every inspirational women runner in Tameside, every town houses a plethora of talent.

For the second year running, the Local Runners Podcast are proudly bringing their International Women’s Day episode, shining a light on the issues that affect females with a star-studded female panel.

This year the podcast episode, hosted by Katie Kay of East Cheshire Harriers, features GB athlete Jessica Piasecki, author Renee McGregor and Chloe Elliot.

The panel is also joined by Local Runners Podcast’s very own female ambassadors, Hayley Simpson and Emilia Platt of East Cheshire Harriers, as well as Martha Tibbott of Saddleworth Runners.

Discussing all things women, nothing is out of bounds, meaning period chat, menopausal running and sports bra fittings will be encouraged.

Encouraging more women to speak about the issues that affect them, especially in sport, is incredibly invigorating and opens the door for more females to get involved.

Having these honest conversations is what International Women’s Day is all about, as we strive to become a more diverse and welcoming community.

National boxing champion Naomi Kalu has worked hard to position herself in the female section of the sport.

Beginning her journey aged just 14, she has proven to be an unstoppable force, both dedicated and committed to achieving her dreams.

In 12 months, Naomi went from having just two bouts under her belt, to becoming a national champion, as well as a three-time northwest champion.

She admitted that 2022 taught her how to push herself, meaning it’s onwards and upwards for the Oldham superstar.

The 19-year-old dreams of competing at an Olympic Games, and Naomi is already laying the foundations to see this happen.

The number of inspirational women in Tameside, Glossop and Oldham is unfathomable. International Women’s Day offers a chance for female success to be celebrated, but here we do that every single day.

Sport is an inclusive activity, you don’t have to feel inspired to become the next Paula Radcliffe, but instead feel the hope that sport brings, with that hope you can achieve anything.

Do you know an inspirational sporting woman in Tameside, Glossop or Oldham?

Women in Sport is a weekly column which shares the incredible stories of ladies involved in sport across the area. We are always on the lookout for fresh stories to tell. To nominate someone for the column or get involved yourself, please email Katie on katie.catherall@questmedianetwork.co.uk. 

🏃 Tour of Tameside 2023 🏃

We're proud to be delivering this year's four-day running festival, which takes place from 15 to 18 June. 

Find out more and book your place here. 

Want more local sport stories?

Head to https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/ to see more of our coverage - from community and non-league football to local and county cricket, boxing, athletics, basketball, Esports and golf.