Demi Stokes

Demi Stokes is a professional footballer and Euro 2022 champion who specialises in translating elite sporting experience into powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and high-performance teamwork. With 69 England caps and nine years at Manchester City where she won seven major trophies, she competed at the highest level including two European Championships, the 2019 World Cup, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Now captain of Newcastle United Women, where she signed a new contract in August 2026, Demi continues to lead on the pitch whilst using her platform to support families of premature babies following her own experience with her son, Harlen. Her speaking engagements equip audiences with actionable strategies for maintaining focus under pressure, building collaborative teams, and leading with authenticity and purpose.

At just 16 years old, Demi Stokes made her senior debut for Sunderland FC, launching a career that would span two decades and culminate in becoming a Euro 2022 champion with England. Her journey from the North East to the international stage reflects a commitment to excellence forged through determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering focus on continuous improvement. After signing a new contract with Newcastle United in August 2026, she continues to captain the Magpies whilst balancing the demands of elite football with motherhood, using her platform to inspire the next generation and support families navigating their own challenges.

Demi's football journey began at eight years old with Sunderland FC, where she helped the Black Cats reach the 2009 FA Women's Cup final before earning a scholarship to the University of South Florida. She balanced academic study with playing for the USF Bulls and Vancouver Whitecaps, making her England debut during her final year. Her international credentials are formidable: she was instrumental in England U19's victory at the 2009 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship, captained Great Britain to gold at the 2013 Summer Universiade, and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Across 69 England caps, Demi represented the Lionesses at two European Championships and the 2019 World Cup before playing a crucial role in England's historic Euro 2022 triumph. During nine years at Manchester City, she won seven major trophies, including a Women's Super League title, three FA Cups, and three Continental League Cups, making over 150 appearances. In 2024, she returned home to the North East with Newcastle United, where she was named captain and has since led the club through their ambitious campaign in the Women's Super League 2. As a Nike Athlete, she also collaborates with brands including Pampers UK, using her platform to support families of premature babies following her own experience with her son, Harlen.

Demi's speaking engagements offer audiences practical lessons in leadership, mental resilience, and building high-performing teams. She addresses the realities of competing under intense pressure, maintaining focus through setbacks, and the importance of mental health in achieving sustained success. Her authentic approach to discussing both triumph and challenge resonates deeply with corporate teams, aspiring athletes, and organisations navigating change. Whether exploring what it takes to win at the highest level, how to balance competing priorities without compromising performance, or how to lead with purpose and integrity, Demi equips audiences with actionable strategies rooted in real-world experience. Her story inspires individuals to push beyond their limits whilst fostering environments where collaboration and support drive collective achievement.