Photography

Queens' Roar

Sylvie Belbouab

2022

Sylvie Belbouab · 2022 · United Kingdom

Social-documentary photographs celebrate local women, girls and non-binary football communities across Newham.

It treats local women's football as a civic culture shaped by neighbourhood, migration, creativity and grassroots participation.

The Historian

Queens' Roar preserves the unheralded legacy of women's football in Newham, where immigrant traditions blend with British culture. Sylvie Belbouab's photographs capture the grit, passion, and community that define these underrepresented teams. By celebrating local voices, Queens' Roar expands our understanding of the sport's social history.

The Psychologist

In "Queens' Roar," we see the manifestation of communal identity through the lens of women's football. The photographs reveal a desire for visibility and belonging among marginalized groups, where shared experiences create a sense of pride and purpose. This civic culture not only celebrates local heritage but also projects a future of inclusivity and community-driven change.

The Sceptic

While Queens' Roar documents a vibrant women's football scene in Newham, its focus on community and creativity might gloss over systemic inequalities that affect these communities, such as lack of funding or institutional support. The project may also perpetuate a sanitised view of activism, overlooking the complexities of social change.

These are interpretations written in three voices, not quotations from any individual.

Language: English
Subject: Women and girls' football communities in Newham
Region: Europe
Tone: Celebratory
Difficulty: Newcomer

Royal Docks cultural archive, London

The original exhibition has ended; selected project documentation remains online.

Sourceroyaldocks.london

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