When we speak about equality, you want to be playing on the best pitches with the best facilities. You want to be able to have a hot shower in the changing room. These are the things you need to get right if you want to be more professional on the pitch.

The quote by Toni Duggan emphasizes the connection between equality in sports and the quality of facilities provided to athletes. Duggan highlights that fairness is not just about opportunities to play but also about ensuring athletes have access to the same resources and conditions as their counterparts. By mentioning basics such as pitches, changing rooms, and hot showers, she points out that professionalism in sport begins with proper investment in infrastructure and support systems.

The origin of this perspective comes from Duggan’s experience as a professional women’s footballer, where disparities between men’s and women’s teams have often been glaring. While men’s football has historically enjoyed top-tier stadiums, state-of-the-art training facilities, and extensive financial backing, women’s teams have frequently had to contend with subpar conditions. Duggan’s statement underscores the frustration felt by many female athletes striving for recognition and support on equal terms.

By linking professionalism on the pitch to the quality of off-pitch conditions, Duggan makes a broader point: athletes cannot perform at their best if they lack the same level of care and preparation resources as others. Small details, like adequate changing facilities, have a direct impact on an athlete’s sense of value, respect, and ability to prepare mentally and physically.

Ultimately, Duggan’s quote reflects the wider struggle for gender equality in sports. Her words serve as a call to action for governing bodies, clubs, and sponsors to address systemic inequalities. By ensuring that women’s teams have access to the same standards of support as men’s teams, the sporting world moves closer to achieving genuine fairness and professionalism.