Amy Crook shares her incredible journey to mark 30-years at Brentford.

Amy's journey with Brentford began in 1990 when her father, Roger Crook, established a new women's football team under the name of Brentford FC Women.

This began Amy's deep-rooted connection with the club, she went on to have a successful period as a player for Brentford Women before becoming a player-manager which eventually transitioned into head coach.

Speaking on her early involvement with Brentford, Crook explained: “I will be forever grateful to my dad, Roger, for setting up Brentford Women, I was just a young girl who loved football and thanks to my dad I was able to do that.

“I had a long playing career which stretched from 1990 until 2010, I unfortunately had to stop playing due to an ankle ligament injury. I continued to be involved with the set up with my role developing to head coach alongside my dad and eventually transitioning into my position now, as women’s general manager.”

Whilst playing for Brentford, Amy began her professional journey with the club in 1993 where she picked up work through a work experience opportunity in football administration at Griffin Park. This opportunity was provided by the 'football in the community' programme, and it laid the foundation for Amy's future career in football administration.

During this period, Amy participated in a youth training scheme focused on business administration, further enhancing her skills and knowledge.

Amy's dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, she progressed at the club, gradually assuming more significant roles. She worked tirelessly in various administrative positions for football in the community at Brentford, eventually serving as office manager. This role allowed her to contribute significantly to the club's community engagement initiatives, achieving a strong bond between the club and its supporters.

As the football in the community scheme transformed into Brentford Community Sports Trust, Amy took up the position of office manager and match day community coordinator. For an impressive 15 years, she worked tirelessly to enhance the match day experience for fans, bridging the gap between the club and its community.

“I started off doing work experience for the club in football administration which was based at Griffin Park, thanks to the football in the community programme,” said Crook. “It was during this period where I realised this is what I wanted to do full-time, growing up as a Brentford fan and a local I was just chuffed to be involved with the club and wanted to make a difference where I could.

“I did a youth training scheme in business administration and worked my way through the National Vocational Qualification’s which then saw me gain a business management degree. The opportunities the club offered me through the football in the community scheme was just incredible and part of the reason why I am so keen to give back.

“The football in the community programme eventually transitioned into Brentford Community Sports Trust, where I worked for 15 years as office manager and match day community coordinator.”

Amy's journey did not stop there, in 2020, she reached yet another milestone in her career when she was officially employed by Brentford as the general manager of Brentford Women and community executive.

In this dual role, Amy took on the responsibility of ensuring the welfare and safeguarding of the women’s teams players and staff members.

As community executive, Amy's role extended to overseeing the match day experience for fans. Her focus on providing the best possible experience for supporters reflected her understanding and impact football has on the community.

Crook went on to discuss the feeling she had following the news of becoming an employee for Brentford and speaks on the rise of Brentford Women in recent years.

She said: “I’d have to say it was one of the proudest moments in my career, to be employed by Brentford was an unbelievable experience and it felt like a reward for all the hard work I had put in whilst working for the Trust.

“Continuing my role as general manager for Brentford Women and watching the development of not just our women’s team, but the women’s game in general has been amazing.

“From playing at Griffin Park, to breaking attendance records at Bedfont Sports Club and not to the forget last season’s game at the Gtech Community Stadium. The way the club has supported Brentford Women has been incredible and to be able to say I was there right from the start is a great feeling.”

Amy Crook with members of Brentford Women at Player of the Year awards evening

In her role as general manager of Brentford Women, Amy Crook has played an integral part in the growth and development of women's football at the club.

Her leadership and dedication has paved the way for women to excel in the sport, and her journey from player to general manager serves as an inspiration to aspiring female footballers who seek to make their mark in the industry.