Out of office: Female footballer aiming high with Leicester accountancy firm’s support
September 10th 2025
In her professional career, Sophie Bracey is going from strength to strength. Five years into her audit role at national accountancy, audit and business advisory firm MHA, she supports a wide range of companies from across the East Midlands with their financial reporting responsibilities.
Sophie, who is based at the firm’s Leicester office, recently qualified as an auditor and has her sights set on progressing her career with the firm.
Meanwhile in her spare time, she is focused on stepping up within her football team.
Sophie is vice-captain of Desford Ladies FC, which competes in the Leicestershire Women’s and Girls Football League Division 1. With the new season just beginning, she is hoping for a strong campaign and is also looking to be promoted to captain of her team, which is sponsored by her firm MHA.
MHA’s sponsorship began part way through the 2024–25 season. The firm funded the team’s kit and its logo appears on the front of Desford’s shirts, which Sophie believes shows dedication from the firm both to women’s sport and the personal interests of MHA staff.
"MHA’s sponsorship has not just been a one-off commitment, the firm has truly supported me in my passion. When I shared the news on LinkedIn, the response from my colleagues and the wider firm was overwhelming. I felt so proud to be part of a company that values and champions women in sport."
Sophie initially approached MHA about sponsoring Desford Ladies in response to a staff communication within the Leicester office enquiring about community initiatives the firm could contribute to.
Shelley Harvey, partner in MHA’s Leicester office, said: “MHA is a people first organisation and supporting our colleagues’ interests outside of work, whether that is a sport they participate in, or an initiative they feel a strong connection to, is a small way of showing our commitment to the communities we operate in.
“Sophie’s passion for Desford Ladies shines through, as does her passion and expertise in supporting our clients. It’s heartening to hear about how her growing role with MHA is benefitting her in her sporting ambitions and vice versa.”
In addition to supporting local sports clubs and community groups, MHA also regularly organises social sporting activities for staff based in the Leicester office.
“We regularly play a variety of team sports which include five a side, as they help to build a strong team culture” Sophie says. “I’ve never felt like the only girl on the pitch, I’ve always felt like part of the team, which is really empowering.”
Sophie is keen to share her story with other women and girls to show that a passion for sport can go hand in hand with a career in accountancy.
“I want to inspire other young women to pursue their passions, whether that’s in football or in the accounting profession,” she says. “When I first joined MHA, I was quiet. However, I was always confident on the football pitch and football helped me boost my confidence at work.
“Both audit and football are about teamwork, and communication is vital. I’ve found that the skills I use on the pitch translate into my career.
“Equally, my career has supported my football progression. As I’ve developed professionally and taken on leadership opportunities at work, I’ve been able to apply those experiences on the field as vice-captain.”
