Keynote SpeakersFern Whelan is a former England Lioness whose career at the very top of the women’s game saw her represent Liverpool, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion, earning widespread respect for her leadership, intelligence and technical quality on the pitch.
Following her retirement from playing, Fern has successfully transitioned into keynote speaking and broadcasting. As a result, she is an established and highly regarded pundit for Sky Sports and the BBC.
A regular face on Sky Sports’ Barclays Women’s Super League coverage, she provides sharp tactical insight both in the studio and pitch-side, breaking down the game with clarity and authority. She has also expanded into live commentary with the BBC, further showcasing her depth of knowledge and confident on-air presence.
During her playing career, Fern Whelan collected an impressive list of honours and accolades. She was named FA Young Player of the Year and European Under-19s Player of the Tournament, underlining her standing as one of the most exciting talents of her generation.
At senior level, she lifted the FA Cup and League Cup, and competed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Fern Whelan – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Speaker
Beyond football, Fern continues to make a significant impact off the pitch. She is the PFA’s first Women’s Football Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Executive.
Fern plays a pivotal role in shaping policy and driving meaningful change within the professional game. A qualified physiotherapist, she brings a unique understanding of athlete welfare and performance, combining academic expertise with lived elite experience.
An engaging EDI speaker, Fern Whelan regularly addresses audiences on leadership, resilience, high-performance culture and gender equality in elite sport.
Drawing on her journey as an international footballer and trailblazer, she delivers powerful insights that resonate across sport, business, and wider society.
