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Pitch Invasion

My story as a feminist on a Football Club board

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Pitch Invasion

By: Karen Dobres
Narrated by: Karen Dobres
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About this listen

'What's it like to be director of the first football club in the world to pay men and women equally? Inspiring, insightful and hilarious, this is the real-life Ted Lasso. A brilliant celebration of football, community and feminism.'
- Viv Groskop, author of How to Own the Room

'A fascinating, extraordinary and self-deprecating personal story, this feminist book by a former model is powerful anthem for women's football.'
- Steph Hilborne, CEO Women in Sport


'A brilliant and often hilarious account of how Karen leveraged the 'Power of the Outsider' to change the male dominant culture of football.'
- Gill Whitty Collins, author of Why Men Win At Work

Karen Dobres never expected to fall for football - let alone help revolutionise it. In Pitch Invasion, Karen shares her hilarious and heartfelt journey from someone who 'always zoned out when bloody football was on the telly' to becoming a Director at Lewes FC - the first football club in the world to pay its women and men players equally.

In 1994, Karen could barely sit through a match at Wembley. Fast forward to 2023, and she's introducing multi-million-pound deals for the women's team of her local club. How does a trained counsellor and former catwalk model end up navigating the male-dominated world of football? And how did she turn her 'imposter syndrome' into a tool for change?

With bisexual pirates, vegan snacks, and even a designated breastfeeding area, Lewes FC is no ordinary football club. It's a pioneering force for equity, inclusion, and innovation. Through Karen's witty, self-deprecating storytelling, Pitch Invasion gives readers an insider's view of the quirky yet revolutionary culture at Lewes FC. From organising Suffragette flash mobs to introducing Prosecco on tap at the stadium, Karen brings to life her experiences at this fan-owned, debt-free, gender-equal club where everyone - from local supporters to pop stars - helps shape the future of the game.

From 2017, when women's football was still fighting for recognition, to the present day, Pitch Invasion is the story of how one woman helped lead the charge for gender equality, challenging football's entrenched hegemony, not just for one club, but across the UK.©2025 Karen Dobres
Gender Studies Management Management & Leadership Social Sciences Women Funny Witty Heartfelt Sports
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This tale of woman-finds-cause-and-nails-it is told in a clear, pragmatic and humorous manner. Very inspiring - and I have my single £50 share-ownership of Lewes FC. I shall be attending a match at the Dripping Pan (to see Brad’s pit) forthwith!

Sheer grit ( and charm)

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I really enjoyed this narration - Karen has an original, impassioned and naturally comedic style. Self-effacing and honest. I loved the concept of ‘fuckery’! I loved the jokes. I really admire Karen’s hard work and mission to change women's football. Loved her description of how most football grounds are very unappealing to women and how she’s changed things at Lewes FC. A great read. She is fantastic company as a narrator.

An impassioned and humorous tale of feminism and football

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