At The Football Week, we celebrate individuals who are reshaping the landscape of football. Today, we highlight Nikki Fairbairn, a dedicated professional whose efforts are enhancing inclusivity and support within the sport.
Educational Background and Early Career
Nikki Fairbairn holds a BSc (Hons) in Sports & Exercise Performance, providing her with a solid foundation in performance analysis. Her academic background has been instrumental in her approach to football operations and player care.
Professional Role at Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club
Since June 2024, Nikki has been serving as the Women’s Operations and First Team Player Care Lead at Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club. In this capacity, she oversees the logistical and welfare aspects of the team, ensuring that players receive comprehensive support off the field. Her role is pivotal in maintaining the team’s operational efficiency and player well-being.
Founder of This Girl’s Ability
Beyond her club responsibilities, Nikki is the founder of This Girl’s Ability, an East London-based non-profit organisation. The organisation is dedicated to encouraging and supporting girls and young women, particularly those with disabilities, to engage in physical and social activities through football. This initiative reflects Nikki’s commitment to using sport as a vehicle for empowerment and social inclusion.
Impact and Vision
Nikki Fairbairn’s work exemplifies the transformative power of football when combined with a commitment to inclusivity and player welfare. Her dual focus on professional operations and community engagement positions her as a significant contributor to the sport’s development. Through her efforts, she continues to inspire and facilitate positive change within the football community.
Our Exclusive Interview with Nikki Fairbairn
What initially sparked your interest in inclusive sports, and how did that lead you into the world of football operations?
After a career change and a passion for continuous learning, I began my journey into disability sports following the completion of my sports science degree in 2019. My interest in inclusion grew after studying the government’s sport strategy for an active nation, ‘Sporting Future’. While researching activities available to young people through the local council, I was introduced to disability sport. Working closely with grassroots programs gave me a strong understanding of sports operations — from event organisation to athlete support — and led naturally into a career in football operations, where I could combine my passion for inclusion with my management and coordination skills.
How have your early experiences—both in sport and personally—influenced your approach to player care and community engagement?
My early experiences in sport, especially working with young girls and women with disabilities, taught me that true care is about building confidence and promoting independence. That mindset naturally shaped how I support professional athletes today. My goal is to be someone they trust for support — from onboarding and accommodation to personal matters, match tickets, player appearances, and medical appointments — so they can stay focused on their performance and life beyond football.
Was there a defining moment or a particular person who inspired you to launch This Girl’s Ability?
I worked as a community engagement officer for a local disability charity. The charity’s sports programs were popular with boys, but not with girls. Asking, why aren’t girls coming to these sessions, became the catalyst for the This Girl’s Ability initiative. While the charity, led predominantly by a male board, had limited focus on creating dedicated sessions for girls, I recognised an opportunity for positive change. This inspired me to establish my own organisation, where I could better meet the needs of young girls. It was clear that girls experience the challenges of adolescence differently from boys — they often become more self-conscious about their appearance, drop out of sport, and, for girls with disabilities, face even more barriers.
How have challenges throughout your career shaped your leadership style and your commitment to accessibility in football?
Throughout my career, challenges have taught me to lead with empathy, resilience, and a real focus on inclusion. Early on, I saw how easy it was for girls, especially those with disabilities, to be overlooked in sport. That shaped my leadership style to always make sure every voice is heard, and every barrier is addressed. I lead by creating supportive environments where people feel valued and confident to participate. My commitment to accessibility in football is personal — it’s about making sure young people have the opportunities I know they deserve, no matter their background or ability.
Who has been a key mentor or influence in your professional journey, and what impact did they have on your path?
I knew breaking into a football career would be tough because of the high competition. I was lucky that the team interviewing me at Charlton saw that my skills, built through previous roles, were just as important as direct experience. I had immersed myself in the industry by reading books, following news articles, listening to podcasts, and attending events like the Women in Football Be Inspired Conference and the Women’s Health Summit, which gave me valuable insights across a wide range of topics. I would like to sincerely thank Sue Prior, our Women’s Secretary at Charlton Athletic, for her unwavering support. Sue has been a valued member of the club for over twenty years, and from my very first day, she has been a constant source of encouragement and guidance. Her incredible wealth of knowledge and experience has helped me find my feet.
How do you balance the demands of running a non-profit organisation with leading operations at a professional football club?
I’m highly skilled at managing my time and prioritising tasks. Although I work long hours, I’m incredibly grateful for the strong support I receive from one of my daughters, who takes care of the day-to-day administration of This Girl’s Ability. Her help has been invaluable to me and the organisation.
I coach all our fun football sessions in the evenings and on Saturdays when Charlton Athletic’s women’s team isn’t playing. I’m backed by a brilliant team of disabled volunteers — many of whom started as members and show a real passion for supporting their peers. Even after a long day and a 7 a.m. start in the office, being out on the pitch and seeing the impact we make — physically and socially — makes it all worthwhile. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What passions or activities outside of football help you stay grounded and energised?
Traveling with my daughters helps keep me grounded and energised. Although football plays a big part in my work life, following women’s football as a supporter gives me the chance to explore new places and experience different cultures. Over the past year, we’ve travelled to France to watch the women’s Olympic football and flew to Australia for a week to support West Ham Women — the team we love — at the Perth International Football Cup. This year, we’re looking forward to trips to Portugal for the World Sevens Football and Switzerland for the UEFA Women’s EURO. Visiting Portugal is even more special for me, as my family live there and I always make time to see my Aunt and 93-year-old Grandad. Those moments with them, along with exploring new places, give me the balance and perspective I need away from the busy world of football. And while it’s not always a complete break, we always make sure our hotels have a pool or spa to squeeze in some proper relaxation too.
If you weren’t working in football or inclusive programming, what alternative path do you think you might have pursued?
If I weren’t working in football or inclusive programming, I would have used my sports science degree and experience working with older generations in the gym to support people managing health conditions. I would have focused on exercise prescriptions to improve health and quality of life. Helping people build strength, confidence, and independence would still have been at the core of what I do — just in a different setting. I’ve always loved working with different people and being part of the community, and that passion would have continued to guide my work.