What started as a humble side project in 2013 has now blossomed into a powerful force for change in the football industry. MANON, once a simple football photography website, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a mindset coaching and consultancy platform dedicated to uplifting black and brown women in football. At the heart of this evolution is Jenny Simmons, whose journey from creative expression to certified mindset coach mirrors MANON’s growth and mission.
The Early Days: A Lens on the Game
In 2013, MANON was born out of Jenny’s passion for football and photography. It was a creative outlet, capturing the raw, unfiltered beauty of the sport. But Jenny’s vision extended beyond the pitch. She saw football not just as a game but as a powerful cultural force—one that could tell stories, challenge norms, and, ultimately, inspire change.
By 2015, MANON had morphed into a print magazine focused on women’s football. Released during major international tournaments and significant cultural moments like the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, the magazine became a platform for voices often unheard in the sport. It spotlighted the stories of women shaping the game, both on and off the field, creating a space where their contributions were celebrated and their challenges acknowledged.
From Communications to Coaching: Jenny’s Personal Journey
While MANON was finding its footing in the world of print, Jenny was carving out her own path in the corporate world. By 2021, she was balancing her role as Communications Director at Nike with her growing passion for coaching. Her dual roles allowed her to see the gaps in representation and support for Black and brown women in the football industry.
Recognising the systemic barriers that kept women of color from thriving in football, Jenny pursued formal coaching qualifications between 2023 and 2024. Armed with both corporate experience and a deep understanding of the game’s cultural landscape, she was ready to take MANON to its next phase.
MANON’s New Mission: Coaching and Consultancy for Change
In 2025, MANON reemerged with a renewed purpose. No longer just a platform for storytelling, it became a mindset coaching and independent consultancy service aimed at empowering Black and brown women in football. MANON’s mission is clear: to equip these women with the tools they need to navigate an industry that has historically excluded them, fostering environments where they can thrive both personally and professionally.
“Lack of racial diversity in the football industry is no secret, nor is the presence of systems that prevent the game from truly being a place for all,” Jenny says.
“I’m a strong believer in the importance of representation, and I want to play a role in ensuring the future of the game is being built with, for, and by people who look like me.”
Why MANON Matters
Football is often celebrated for its joy and unity, but Jenny doesn’t shy away from addressing its darker sides—sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and misogynoir. For many Black and brown women, these issues are not abstract concepts but daily realities in their professional lives.
“While so often full of joy and beautiful expression, football is also a place that’s home to sexism, racism, homophobia, and misogynoir, to name a few issues,” Jenny explains.
“I want to ensure that future (and current) generations of black and brown women are equipped with the tools to navigate an industry that constantly shows and tells us that we aren’t welcome.”
MANON’s coaching services are designed for women at every level of the football industry—whether you’re a player, coach, agent, photographer, stylist, journalist, or corporate employee. The goal is to provide support that goes beyond professional development, addressing the unique challenges faced by women of colour in football spaces.
Mindset Coaching: Changing the Game from Within
At its core, mindset coaching is about shifting perspectives, challenging limiting beliefs, and fostering personal growth. For black and brown women in football, this means developing the confidence and resilience to not only survive but thrive in an industry that often overlooks them.
Through one-on-one coaching sessions and strategic consultancy for organisations, MANON aims to create a more equitable football culture. The consultancy arm works with brands, institutions, and teams to develop initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the future of the game is reflective of the communities it serves.
The Future of Football: Built by and for Women of Colour
MANON’s vision for the future is ambitious yet deeply necessary. It envisions a world where Black and brown girls see themselves represented on and off the pitch, where they feel safe and empowered in football spaces, and where they can show up authentically in every facet of their lives.
For the present, MANON is focused on ensuring that Black and brown women in football have the support they need today. It’s about more than just being heard—it’s about being listened to, valued, and given the space to lead.
“‘Man On’ is a warning shout used during football matches,” Jenny notes.
“It’s also a warning to the industry that women have a role to play in the game. We want to build and create the future of football together.”
Get Involved
If you’re a Black or brown woman navigating the football industry, MANON’s coaching services are here to support you. And if you’re an organisation committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, MANON’s consultancy services can help guide your efforts.
In a world where football has long been dominated by voices and faces that don’t reflect its diverse fanbase, MANON is a much-needed shift in the narrative. It’s not just about playing the game—it’s about changing it.
To learn more or to work with Jenny, reach out at jenny.simmons@man-on.co.
You can also hear more about Jenny’s journey on this podcast episode here:
