Jen O'Neill
| Jen O'Neill | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| 🎓 Alma mater | Keble College, University of Oxford |
| 💼 Occupation | Footballer (former), journalist, editor |
Jen O'Neill is an English former footballer and journalist. She played for Sunderland Ladies and university teams before a long career in media as editor of the women's football magazine She Kicks.
Early life and education
O'Neill played football in Jarrow informally from six years old as well as some friendlies with her junior school team.[1] She went on to study geography at Keble College, University of Oxford. During her time at Oxford (1993–1996), she played for the university women's football side and was selected to represent the England Universities team.[1][2]
Playing career
O'Neill began playing for Sunderland Ladies after seeing an advert for the team in the club programme in 1989–1990, shortly after the team was created.[1][3] She continued to play for Sunderland while studying at Oxford.[1] O'Neill retired from playing in 2005. She has stated that persistent injuries and the demands of her job influenced her decision to retire.[1][2] During her time at Sunderland, she played alongside England women's national football team players such as Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, and Carly Telford.[2][4] O'Neill captained Sunderland during her football career.[1][5]
Journalism and media career
Shortly after university, O'Neill joined the women's football magazine She Kicks (originally known as On the Ball) in 1998. She went on to become editor-in-chief of She Kicks, holding that position for 25 years until she stepped down in 2023. As a journalist, she has written for She Kicks and other publications. She has also worked in broadcasting, serving as a commentator and pundit on platforms such as BBC Radio 5 Live and Eurosport.
O'Neill contributed to football literature, co-authoring the official FIFA Women's World Cup guidebooks for major tournaments. She has been actively involved in public engagement projects. For example, She Kicks worked with neuroscientists at Oxford on a "Football on the Brain" initiative, examining how football connects with brain health and learning.
Legacy
Over her career, O'Neill has made significant contributions both on the pitch and in the media. Her long tenure at She Kicks helped shape coverage of women's football in the UK, and she has been a constant presence across tournaments, commentary, and advocacy. Her work with the Football on the Brain project reflects a commitment to exploring football's role beyond sport, including health and education.
Recognition and honours
In 2025, O'Neill became the first woman to be awarded Lifetime Membership of the Football Writers' Association (FWA). She has served in roles for high-profile football organisations. For instance, she has been a panellist for the Women's Super League Hall of Fame.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Lasses to Legends: Catching up with Jen O'Neill" 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Burns 2023.
- ↑ Speight 2022.
- ↑ Edwards, Luke (1 July 2019). "North-East backbone to England World Cup squad may be under threat". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Wilson, Scott (31 May 2005). "When will women's football reach its goal?". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
Works cited
- "Meet the Editor: Jennifer O'Neill". iSubscribe. 18 Jan 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
- Speight, Rich (17 April 2022). "Way Back When: The founding of Sunderland Ladies in April 1989!". Roker Report. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
- Burns, Zoe (24 August 2023). "Alumni Stories: 'a Career In Sports Journalism Is An Exciting Life But Not A Lazy Or Easy Life.'". University of Oxford. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
- "Lasses to Legends: Catching up with Jen O'Neill". Sunderland A.F.C. 14 November 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
- Brookes, Chris (26 March 2024). "Women In Football - Guest Feature: Celebrating Jen O'Neill, Ex-editor, She Kicks Magazine". Women in Football. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
- Bell, Nathan. "Not a Lasses' Game? - Where We Are Now (#1)". universityofsunderland.shorthandstories.com. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
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