‘I earned the respect’: First woman football captain at University of Manitoba

College student Maya Turner has been named one of the seven captains of the University of Manitoba’s football team, becoming the first woman to hold the position while also serving the starting kicker.

The football program is open to all genders, allowing female athletes to compete on the roster.

Turner’s achievement makes her a history-maker in a sport traditionally dominated by male students. In Canadian football, seven captains are assigned to lead their team in different specialities on the field.

The 24-year-old first joined the team in 2022. She spoke to the BBC about what the game means to her.

Video by Blanca Estrada