England’s governing body of soccer, the Football Association (commonly known as the FA), wants more girls and women to play the sport. They’re so invested in this mission, in fact, that they recently issued recommendations for increasing participation levels among female athletes with help from the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation. While the document seems to be written in good faith, it’s full of generalizing duds of tone-deaf coddling, including such gems as:
- “Use colorful bibs—make sure that they’re clean and smell nice!”
- “Play music alongside participation. You could allow the group to choose their own playlist (as long as it’s suitable!)”
- “Some women/girls are deterred from playing when being watched by men. Consider a venue with limited viewing access.”
- “Allow girls the time to check their phones within a session or incorporate a Twitter break so participants can tweet about the session.”
- “Most of the time, girls only want to participate with other girls. Players with more ability may be willing to play mixed football.”
First of all, teens do not need Twitter breaks. They need Snapchat breaks—just ask a teen. More importantly, that the FA seems to think what’s holding girls back from playing more soccer is the lack of nice-smelling outfits, Adele songs, and protection from boys reveals a lot about how the organization views women’s sports—namely, as something else, something that requires pandering to stereotypes that position a girl’s spot on the field as unlikely or unnatural.
When students at Lumley Junior School near Durham, England, discovered the document, they were offended. As part of a school assignment, girls wrote letters to the FA dissing the list of recommendations.
“I am absolutely astonished that you have the nerve to write all of that absolute rubbish about women and girls playing (soccer),” 10-year-old Nancy wrote. “Your tone of voice sounds as though you think we are brainless baby Barbies!”
Her classmate Grace called out the unnecessary focus on uniforms. “We are not fussy about the smell of our bibs. Would you be?” she asked sarcastically. “And we are not afraid to get hit by a ball, so why would we need light ones—in case we break a nail?”
The school’s deputy head, Carol Hughes, said her boy and girl students were surprised by the casual sexism of the FA’s document. “We kept thinking, what would they write for boys?” Hughes said.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.