February 3 – Women’s football is perhaps the fastest growing sector within the game, and that theme looks set to continue now that East London Ladies FC and MOLO have teamed up to celebrate one woman’s impact on grassroots football over the last decade in their new documentary ‘The New Gaffer’.
With the Lioness’s Euro success in 2021 and the defence of their crown just months away, Sport England reports an increase of more than 10,000 women and girls are playing in grassroots clubs. East London Ladies is one team that has been at the forefront of this wave, receiving thousands of applicants per year, which is far more than fully staffed teams can handle let alone one woman.
MOLO, “an experiential digital platform, born from football fans insights regarding the women’s game” has partnered with the club to highlight the contributions and impact co-founder, manager and lead coach, Viv Jeffers has made on the game since 2014.
In the 10-minute documentary titled ‘The New Gaffer’ Viv shares her story, where she details her journey as a player, transition into coaching and the legacy she has been building in her community, which has enriched hundreds of girls and women in London. All of this is done off her own back and on a voluntary basis, 150+ girls and women per week are supported and coached by Viv.
In 2024 she celebrated 10 years with East London Ladies FC, received the London FA’s Grassroots Club of the Year award and was nominated by Sky Bet Football as number 1. In 2025 she’s regarded as the Godmother of grassroots women’s football.
The New Gaffer documentary dropped exclusively with MOLO, Youtube at 12pm on 31st January.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1738572600labto1738572600ofdlr1738572600owedi1738572600sni@o1738572600fni1738572600