Spotlight for International Women’s Month – Carla Dixon

Sport has been a defining force in Carla Dixon’s life, shaping her journey from a talented young all‑rounder into a dedicated coach, role model and advocate for women and girls in sport. As part of HEY Smile Foundation’s International Women’s Month celebrations, the Foundation is shining a spotlight on Carla, a multi‑sports athlete and rugby player for Hull Kingston Rovers, whose passion now reaches deep into the heart of the community.

A lifetime in sport

Carla began her sporting journey as a young girl and has since competed professionally in athletics, football, judo and rugby. Over the course of her career she has achieved a black belt in judo, competed at both national and international level, represented England Community Lions in rugby, and been part of the first Hull Kingston Rovers team to win a treble – the cup, league and grand final.

The mental and physical benefits

Reflecting on how her love of sport developed, Carla highlights the positive mental and physical benefits it has brought her. She points to the wide range of opportunities available, and emphasises that “there is a sport out there for everybody.”

Facing down stereotypes as a female athlete

While Carla’s passion for sport is clear, she is candid about the challenges she has faced in “being taken seriously” as a female athlete. “When I first started playing rugby, I often had people ask me, ‘do you play the same rugby as the men?’ and I remember thinking, what rugby do you think I’m playing? Do you think our roles are different because we’re female?” She also expresses frustration at the lack of opportunities for women, noting: “I think there are less opportunities for females and you have to fight really, really hard for them.”

Volunteering as a way to give back

Ensuring that those opportunities are created and accessed is a major part of what motivates Carla to volunteer. Over the years, she has given her time to a range of youth sports through volunteer coaching, particularly with girls and young women. Asked what drives her to do this, she explains: “I think it’s being able to give back what a coach has done for you – having a coach that believes in you and has that passion.”

Building futures through community sport

Carla recognises how vital the community sector is in both introducing people to sport and helping individuals progress to higher levels. “You don’t know whether your input has just inspired the next Jessica Ennis to get on the track, or the next Anthony Joshua to step into the ring. If you show passion in someone, you might just spark a career for them.” She also stresses the importance of engaging a wide range of communities: “you may have inspired somebody struggling with their mental health to go make some friends or live a healthier lifestyle.”

An inspiring message to women

HEY Smile Foundation would like to recognise and appreciate Carla’s outstanding contribution to female sport and to thank her for the time she gives to support girls and young women following in her footsteps.

To close, Carla offers this message to women:
“There is an opportunity for you out there in sport, go out and find it. Whether that opportunity is playing at an international level or starting at a little sports club and becoming the best version of you.”