Norwich City Women's chief Flo Allen knows from personal experience the importance of female role models in football. 

The general manager of the Canaries' women has taken a senior leadership role at the club at the age of 23 and is in charge of shaping the future for that side, including the organisation of their first Carrow Road fixture next month. 

Allen announced her retirement from playing last May to pursue opportunities away from the pitch and was confirmed as the first-ever general manager of City's women team last summer. 

Since occupying the role, Allen has been mentored by Norwich's executive director Zoe Webber, who has played a major role in her development. 

"In football, there are always similar things that happen in men's and women's football. It is the same game at the end of the day. We are in such a lucky environment where we have great leaders, and hopefully, the development of that is just the start. 

"Both Zoe and Stuart (Webber) have been great," Allen said. "Their support has been monumental.

"Having a female role model like Zoe is brilliant, and there aren't many clubs in the country that can say they have a female role model like her. For me, it's been great to know there is someone to go to for any kind of support."

Away from Norwich City, Allen is close friends with Lionnesses hero Lauren Hemp, who inspired many young football fans during last summer's European Championship triumph. 

The Pink Un: Lauren Hemp has inspired a generation of young footballers. Lauren Hemp has inspired a generation of young footballers. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"Lauren (Hemp) is a brilliant character and a great friend of mine. What she has done with her career has been inspirational," Allen said. 

"I know when I was a teammate of hers, it was astonishing to see what she could do on the pitch. Sometimes it was not a nice task when I had to defend against her in training. 

"She's gone onto bigger and better things and is flying the flag for Norfolk and Norwich on the world stage. She has so much more potential to give. Lauren is only ever a phone call away and we're so proud of her. We hope to see her success keep going and going."