Game-changers Vol 8: Tyra Mills

Tyra Mills is a content creator, freelance presenter, and qualified football coach and scout - now a scout for England women.

Her content focuses mainly on football, started from showcasing her own football tricks and skill, however she incorporates all sporting sectors into her content. Her desire to make a more inclusive space within the world of sport, and to encourage her audience is apparent. Mills' "herspacefc" was created in order to share women's stories within the world of sport. She's also spoken on important methods of inclusion, such as the cruciality of sign-language within team sports to faciliate deaf players. Mills also posts a series "Fearless Friday's" where she tries out new sports in order to encourage her audience to step out of their comfort zone.

Mills' desire to connect with girls and create a space of safety and confidence is why she has amassed such a large following on social media!

GIRLACTICO: First off, who are some of the Black women who inspired you growing up, and what did seeing them succeed mean to you?

Tyra Mills: Growing up, I'll be real, I didn't really have many Black female role models in the public eye, especially in football. The representation just wasn't there. Except when Jessica Ennis came to my school! 

So, for me, my inspiration came from the women around me, particularly my grandmother and my school teachers. They were the women who showed me what strength, resilience, hard work and determination looked like.

And I think that's why representation means so much to me now. Because I know what it's like growing up not seeing people who look like you in certain spaces.

If I can be that person for even one young Black girl who wants to pursue a career in football or media, then that means absolutely everything to me!

GIRLACTICO: You’ve built a platform around football, culture and your own personal journey. How important has it been to you to see more Black women creating space for themselves in football and making their voices heard?

Tyra Mills: SOOO Important! Football has been quite a male dominated space, and as a Black woman, sometimes it can feel like we have to work twice as hard to be seen and heard. There are so many expectations and barriers we have to overcome, mentally & physically.

But seeing more Black women becoming presenters, creators, coaches and decision makers is incredible. For me, it's not just about having a seat at the table anymore. It's about creating our own tables and making sure the next generation knows they belong in these spaces too!

GIRLACTICO: When did you first realise that content creation could become something bigger for you? Was there a particular moment or piece of content that made you think, this could actually be a career?

Tyra Mills: I don't think there was one particular moment, you know! I genuinely started creating content because I loved football and wanted to share my personality and experiences, but also, I really wanted to connect to younger age groups that I use to coach. I would get so many hate comments about my body and I realised younger girls must be going through it too!

But when I started seeing people connect with my content, especially my Mic'd Up videos, I realised that people weren't just watching the football, they were connecting with ME! And then opportunities started coming in that younger Tyra could only have dreamed of. It's crazy because something I started out of pure passion and a small small crush has now become my career, and I'm still only getting started!

GIRLACTICO: Social media has transformed the way we experience football, but where do you think there’s still room for change?

Tyra Mills: I think social media has completely changed the game, especially in women's football! But I still think there's so much room for more authentic storytelling and diversity in the people getting opportunities. Not every football story needs to come from a professional club or a massive platform. There are incredible stories happening in grassroots football every single day. I'd love to see more investment in independent creators, more opportunities for underrepresented voices and more storytelling that goes beyond just what happens on the pitch.

GIRLACTICO: You’re part of a generation experiencing women’s football at such an exciting time. What do you think is most exciting about the culture developing around the women’s game right now?

Tyra Mills: THE CULTUREEEE!! Honestly, I absolutely love it and it's changing the game!!  Women's football is becoming so much bigger than just the 90 minutes on the pitch. It's the fashion, the personalities, the communities, the friendships and the atmosphere around the game.

We're seeing a whole new generation of fans connecting with players and creators in ways we haven't really seen before. We're literally watching history being made, and we get to be part of shaping what the future of women's football looks like. 

GIRLACTICO: What’s one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self about finding your place in football as a black woman?

Tyra Mills: STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF AND TAKE UP SPACE!

I think younger Tyra sometimes worried about fitting into certain environments or whether she belonged. I used to be so scared to go to events by myself or even be the only black women in the room but I just see it as a super power now!

But I've learnt that you don't need to change who you are to succeed. Your personality, your background, your experiences those are the things that make you different, and that's your superpower!

So, I'd tell younger me to keep showing up, keep being unapologetically herself and never wait for someone else to give her permission to chase her dreams.

DON'T FIT IN IF YOU ARE BORN TO STAND OUT!

GIRLACTICO: Having attended the launch of the Guinness x Kick It Out partnership, how important do you think education is in creating more inclusive spaces for football fans, and what does this initiative mean for the wider fight against discrimination in football and beyond?

Tyra Mills: I think education is EVERYTHING!

We can talk about wanting football to be inclusive, but real change happens when people are willing to listen, learn and actually challenge discrimination when they see it.

What I love about initiatives like Guinness x Kick It Out is that they're helping to bring those conversations into spaces where football fans already come together and it's not forced at all its very much natural. 

Because football should be a place where EVERYONE feels welcome, regardless of their race, gender or background. And ultimately, this goes beyond football. It's about creating a culture where we respect each other, celebrate our differences and understand that tackling discrimination is everyone's responsibility. I really loved the campaign also!