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If you're a follower of elite women's sport – then Summer 2025 is an absolute feast. A whole host of women's tournaments are being covered by the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ as part of the 'Names Will Be Made' summer of sport. In all those bids for glory, is there space for personal faith? What role does religion play for athletes on and off the pitch? Katy Davis speaks to three women of faith at the top of their game.

England and London Mavericks Netballer Ellie Rattu grew up in a Christian home, but there was a time when she felt torn between sport and her faith. She questioned if on Sundays she should go to church, or compete on the netball court? It was when she started working with a charity called Christians in Sport that she learned she could give glory to God in the way she trains and competes, not just in church. Now, she feels even more connected to God and her faith supports her both on and off the netball court.

Sisi Tuipulotu plays rugby for Wales and she comes from a long line of rugby enthusiasts - her dad played for Tonga, her brother plays for England and her cousins also play around the world. Christianity has always been important to her family and Sisilia’s faith has guided her through difficult times. When her family were initially uncomfortable with her, as a woman, playing rugby, her faith kept her going. Over time, her family became her biggest supporters, travelling to watch as many of her games as possible. And even now, when her future in this summer’s Rugby World Cup is looking uncertain because of an injury, her faith has encouraged her to believe that everything happens for a reason.

As a child, Yasmin Hussein was completely obsessed with football. After school, she played on the streets with her brother and his friends. But as she grew older, her family became concerned for her safety and didn’t feel it was appropriate for her to play at night as the only girl in a group of boys. When she was 13, she had to give up the game and was left heartbroken. 20 years later, after moving to London and struggling with loneliness, she decided to lace up her football boots once more. To her dismay, the same barriers existed and she still couldn’t find an all-female club. Yasmin decided to be the change that was needed. She started learning to become a coach and now with UEFA she trains around 100 girls a week, creating a safe place for everyone to play. Her Muslim faith is a big part of her passion for sport: she believes her body is given by God and so it’s important for her to take care of it and to give back to her community.

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