Jessica Anne Clarke is a former England international footballer, recognised for her talent, resilience and contribution to women’s football. With over 50 caps for the England senior team, she has played in the UEFA Women’s European Championship, the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Jessica is one of only 25 Black women to represent England at the senior level and was awarded FA Legacy Number 168 as part of the Lionesses’ 50th anniversary celebrations.
Jessica began her football journey at Leeds United, joining the club at Under-16 level and making her senior debut at just 16. She featured in three consecutive FA Women’s Cup Finals, scoring in the 2008 final, and played a key role in Leeds United winning their first major silverware with the 2010 Premier League Cup. In 2010, she signed with Lincoln Ladies, later becoming a central figure at Notts County, where she was nominated for the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year. Her strong performances and attacking flair made her a standout player during this period.
Jessica signed for Liverpool Women’s FC in 2017, making 68 appearances and showcasing her versatility and leadership. Following a career-threatening injury, she returned to the pitch with Durham Women’s FC for the 2022, 2023 seasons, before playing for Sheffield United Women’s FC. She has made over 100 Women’s Super League appearances, highlighting her status as one of the most experienced and accomplished players in the game. Since stepping away from professional football in 2023, Jessica has focused on her passion for youth wellbeing and physical activity. Throughout her international career, Jessica scored 11 goals for England, including a standout performance in the UEFA Euro 2009 semi-final win against the Netherlands. Her debut came in 2009 against South Africa, and she quickly followed up with a goal in her second appearance versus Scotland. Her consistent selection at every level, from Under 17s to the senior squad, reflects her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.
Jessica’s story goes beyond football. After experiencing a life-changing accident as a child that left a visible scar on her arm, she has faced challenges with self-image, racial bias, and gender inequality. These experiences have shaped her into a powerful and empathetic speaker, committed to empowering others. She now works closely with ActivKids UK, leading campaigns such as their 2024 Summer Games, and speaks on topics including resilience, identity, inclusion, and success in sport. Audiences connect with her authenticity, strength, and warmth, making Jessica Clarke an inspiring voice for the next generation.
- Health and wellbeing
- Overcoming adversity
- Overcoming limiting beliefs
- LGBTQ+
- The growth of women’s football
- Club football and international level
- Diversity and inclusion
- Breaking generational cycles
- Performing under pressure
- Mental health
- Ethnic minorities
- Racism in football
Official Feedback from In-Person and Online Events:
"Jess was amazing with the children. She put on a great and engaging assembly and session. All of the children were so excited about the session and asked lots of questions. They massively engaged and enjoyed it. Big thank you to Jess." - Sports Cool!, Doncaster
"The children and staff really enjoyed the workshop, thank you so much!" - Hucknall out of school club
"Jess was great - very down to earth, engaging and enthusiastic, happy to answer any question and encouraging the children to be active. It was a great opportunity for the children (and staff) to meet someone with so much experience who can show that anyone can achieve something if they work hard at it" - More Leisure Community Trust
"Truly magnificent guest speaker, Jess Clarke – a natural born! Great to have met you and hoping to see you around soon!" - Seb J. Sokolowski, Workplace Coach at Learnmore Network
"Excellent insights into high performance, resilience and aspiration from Jess Clarke. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing Jess's analysis of her exceptional football career – the highs and the lows – all told with humility, honesty and passion." - Tim Porter, Three Hills
"Jess's story and message were such a helpful reminder to embrace our quirks, our stories, and the things that make us different, because they genuinely add something, no matter who we are." - Inonge Siluka, Macmillan Cancer Support
"We are not the things we have gathered" – just one of the many takeaways. Amazing session." - Danielle Fitzsimmons-Elliott, Macmillan Cancer Support
"Jess shared her journey, from growing up to building her career in football, and spoke openly about her experiences along the way. We were all massively inspired after listening to her story and reflecting on the importance of resilience and passion." - New Era Cap
"Jess Clarke, a Lioness trailblazer and an incredibly powerful voice for resilience and authenticity. Jess spoke openly about her journey, the highs and lows, and what it truly means to show up as yourself in a sport you love.
Her words were a reminder that representation matters, and her courage was absolutely contagious for the whole room. Thank you, Jess, for sharing your experiences with us and reminding us all that the path forward is paved by people like you who are willing to be visible." - Phaidon International
- 2024 – Led ActivKids UK’s Summer Games session
- 2022 – Played for Durham Women’s FC
- 2021 – Played for Sheffield United Women’s FC
- 2017 – Played for Liverpool Women’s FC
- 2012 – Represented Team GB during the London Olympic Games
- 2009 – Represented the England Lionesses for the Euros
How to hire Jess Clarke
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jess Clarke for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
