What dream, cause, or calling would you keep showing up for, even if nobody was watching?
Standing among 82,000 people at the Women’s World Cup Final, Nicky, a former England rugby player reflects on the women who kept going long before anyone was paying attention.
Life Lessons & Key Themes From This Story
- Big changes often begin when only a few people believe.
- Keep showing up, even when nobody is watching.
- Courage can create opportunities for future generations.
- Following what you love can change more than your own life.
- The seeds we plant today may grow into something far bigger than we imagine.
📍 From UK: This story is part of our worldwide collection of inspiring true stories.
They told us to stay in the kitchen… and then 82,000 people showed up.
I can still feel it in my chest. Thousands and thousands of people pouring into the stadium. I don’t think I’d ever experienced anything like it. Just this sense of what has actually been accomplished.
Thirty-five years ago, women’s rugby wasn’t really a thing. You’d hear things like “women should be in the kitchen, not on a rugby pitch”. “People won’t want to watch women play men’s sport”.
Back then, there was no funding. We paid for everything ourselves… travel, kit, all of it.
You played because you loved the sport. Because you wanted to play.
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Keep Going, Even if it Seems No One is Watching
And now, here at Twickenham, for the Women’s World Cup Final. What were we witnessing?
Pavements so full, people spilled into the road. Families everywhere. Little girls on their dads’ shoulders.
There was that buzz you feel in your chest when something big is happening, and everyone knows it.
It was a proper pinch-me moment.
I mean when I first played for England, we were lucky if 200 people turned up. And that’s counting the dogs.
And here we were now, 82,000 people. The largest ever crowd for a women’s World Cup final. To put that in context, it was the second largest World Cup crowd ever - men or women.
... it was the second largest World Cup crowd ever - men or women.
It was mind-blowing.
To think it all started with a handful of women who loved something enough to keep going when nobody’s watching.
That’s what this moment was for me.
As one of the women who wore the Red Rose for England, I was filled with gratitude for those who played before me and helped carve the path.
No spam. Just meaningful stories and inspiration.
Meet the Storyteller: Nicky Coffin
Nicky Coffin is a business coach, mentor, and one of the women who wore the Red Rose for England Rugby.
Today, she works closely with leaders to help them grow and scale successful businesses without giving up the things they love in life.
She helps leaders create businesses that support the life they want to live, with time for family, space for fun, and the freedom to enjoy what they've built.
If you'd like to connect with Nicky or follow her work, you can leave her a message below or find her on LinkedIn.