Shebahn Aherne interview: Women’s World Cup, the WSL, and the progression of women’s football

The breakthrough of female sports reporters in recent years has been refreshing to see. More prominent in the media now than ever, a diverse range of voices are being heard in sports media, especially football.

Laura Woods now fronts Champions League coverage on TNT Sports, Michelle Owen hosts EFL matches on Sky Sports and Jules Breach currently presents England games on Channel 4.

One female broadcaster that is prominent in the world of sports journalism is Shebahn Aherne.

Aherne works as a radio presenter for talkSPORT, a reporter for DAZN, and creates content on her YouTube channel. The Sports Gazette caught up with Shebahn to talk about her sports journalism journey.

Joining talkSPORT

Aherne worked her way up Scottish radio station Clyde 1 before joining talkSPORT. Speaking about her experiences there, Aherne stated:

‘’What’s interesting at talkSPORT is when I used to listen, the presenters would do the job of just guiding the show and then bring in your former pros or experts. But you’re really encouraged to give your opinion here at talkSPORT, and I’m loving that.’’

Aherne’s gateway into talkSPORT coincided with the rise of women’s football, explaining how she anticipated the boom in the late 2010’s before the major broadcasters did.

‘’For me, getting to work at talkSPORT was mostly down to the growth of women’s football. I was coming to them saying: ‘I’m the person you need for this for when you want to start covering women’s football.’

I started making packages on a Sunday night, sending them in to be used on Monday mornings, and that was it.’’

Aherne currently fronts a Monday morning show on talkSPORT dedicated to women’s football.

‘’If you’re passionate about sport, it’s just a case of being really ambitious and pushing yourself towards people, putting it on people, giving them something that they can’t refuse and putting yourself out there” said Aherne.

World Cup fever

The Women’s World Cup this summer was the biggest event in women’s football, a global spectacle that captured the imaginations of the home nations.

Aherne made the 20-hour trip to Australia and New Zealand, expressing her delight of covering the tournament.

‘’It was amazing!’’ Aherne exclaimed. ‘’People always say, if you work at a World Cup, it’ll be the best experience of your career. When you’re there and you’re in it and so busy, it’s bonkers,” said Aherne.

‘’You’re a fan, and then you’re at work at the same time. They say find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. It’s so cheesy, but so true. When you’re in a moment like that, it doesn’t feel like work.’’

Twin playing in World Cup

Ruesha Littlejohn, Aherne’s twin sister, played for the Republic of Ireland at the Women’s World Cup this summer, and Aherne discussed this unique experience.

‘’I was standing in the gantry, along with all of the other media and broadcast people, looking down at my sister, and I swear I could hear her during the national anthem.

‘’After the games I would be in the mixed-zone and she would come out from the pitch and I would interview her. We would have a hug and those moments were really special. I was very proud.’’

Catalyst for growth

When asked if the Women’s World Cup would be a catalyst for growth, Aherne replied:

‘’Definitely. We’re now getting the access we never had before. There’s young kids getting the access on their phones and TikTok and social media, and it’s the game we all love. It’s still football, and everyone is able to enjoy that.’’

There were plenty of fans from England and all around Europe that made the long journey, and Aherne chatted with the fan groups.

‘’I got to see a couple of England games, and there were fans following the team wherever they went.

‘’That narrative that nobody cares is gone with the wind. It’s done. It’s dusted. People care, and if you want it, you can find it. That’s what’s beautiful about the change in women’s football.’’

WSL thoughts

The WSL looks to be wide open this season, and when asked about surprise packages in the WSL this season, Aherne said:

‘’The style of play from Liverpool has been impressive, and from Leicester, it’s just great. They’ve had more wins now this season than they had last season towards the end. There’s lots more talent coming in and the standard is rising.’’

When speaking about title favourites, Aherne was quick to mention the club she supports, Arsenal.

‘’When it comes to who can win it, I’m looking at Arsenal thinking, you’ve got no Champions League now, so they could do the double. I can see them winning the league and FA Cup,’’ Aherne stated.

“But then again, Chelsea are going for a fifth successive title and I think about the power and the beast you’ve got with Emma Hayes. She’s just incredible. I’m obsessed with her!’’

Upcoming women’s football events

Aherne spoke about what women’s events she’s covering, and it looks like an exciting schedule ahead.

‘’I’m covering the Champions League with DAZN and we’ve got the draw show coming up.

https://twitter.com/shebahn/status/1714937364361965920?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

‘’Then, of course, we’ve got the Euros in Switzerland. I’m very much looking forward to working there, taking in as many games as possible. Thankfully it’s a little bit closer to home as well. Maybe don’t quote me on that!

‘’The investment is there with all the home countries, the coverage is there, and it’s making them grow. I’m enjoying it all and just taking it all one game at a time.’’