In a world where film often struggles to accurately represent the true essence of sports, Solers United stands as a refreshing, heartfelt take on women’s football, blending comedy, romance, and the power of community. The creative forces behind this film, including director Sara Harrak and lead actress Leah Harvey, share how their personal experiences and a dedication to authenticity have shaped this inspiring and inclusive project.
Sara Harrak: The Heart Behind Solers United
For Solers United creator and director Sara Harrak, the inspiration to bring this story to life came from her own love for football and the sense of belonging it provides. As a member of a five-a-side football team called Bangers FC, Sara found herself immersed in a tight-knit community where not just the game, but the friendships off the field, were equally cherished.
“I’m very fortunate to be part of a team where we don’t just play together, but we also enjoy each other’s company outside of the game. It’s like a second family, and that’s something I knew I wanted to explore in the film,” Sara explains. For her, football is not just about the sport itself but the sense of connection it fosters, something she feels is increasingly missing in Western society. “Whether it’s grassroots or professional football, that community connection is crucial, and it’s something I feel we’ve lost in our fast-paced world.”
Sara’s passion for this community aspect of football is reflected throughout Solers United, as the film dives into the relationships between the characters, highlighting how the sport brings people together, breaks down barriers, and offers a space for growth.
Representation in Film: Challenging the Status Quo
Representation in women’s sports films has long been underrepresented, and Solers United aims to change that. Sara points out the staggering fact that this is the first film about women’s football to come out since Bend It Like Beckham—over 20 years ago. Despite the ongoing progress in women’s sports, it’s clear that the film and television industry still has a long way to go when it comes to accurately representing female athletes.
“It’s crazy that Solers United is the first film about women’s football in two decades,” Sara reflects. “It’s changing, but it takes time. The key is for audiences to champion these stories and support the inclusion of underrepresented voices in front of and behind the camera. It’s important to reflect what already exists in grassroots football, which is often the most diverse and inclusive space in sports.”
In Solers United, Sara embraces this diversity, ensuring that casting and the film’s crew mirror the inclusive spirit of grassroots football. “It wasn’t forced diversity; it was just what I knew. The cast feels natural because it’s an authentic reflection of the sport. It’s not just about diversity for the sake of it, but about creating characters that represent real people and real experiences,” she adds.
Weaving Comedy, Romance, and Sports: A Delicate Balance
The genre-blending nature of Solers United—combining comedy, romance, and sports—was one of the biggest challenges Sara faced as a director. Balancing these elements requires careful pacing, particularly when switching between comedic moments and heartfelt, emotional scenes.
“Comedy has a rhythm, and it’s crucial to get the pacing right. But when you mix comedy with heart, the pace needs to slow down at times, allowing space for the romance and the more emotional moments to resonate with the audience,” Sara explains. “The real reward comes when we see audiences laughing one minute and completely captivated by a heartwarming scene the next. That’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
For Sara, the blending of humor and emotion is essential in capturing the human side of sports—showing the players not just as athletes, but as people navigating complex relationships.
Authentic Storytelling: Representation On and Off-Screen
A key theme of Solers United is the representation of female and non-binary athletes in a way that feels genuine and inclusive. Sara, having spent over a decade as an Assistant Director on major films, was determined to create a more inclusive set when it came time to direct her own film.
“Before directing, I was often the only person of color on set. I knew when I stepped into the director’s chair, I wanted to make a difference by providing opportunities for new creatives and ensuring the crew was as diverse as the story we were telling,” Sara shares.
Her commitment to inclusivity didn’t stop with the cast; Sara worked to bring in a diverse crew, including heads of departments who shared a lived understanding of the story’s themes. “For me, it made sense to have queer individuals as part of my leadership team,” she explains. “They understood the nuances of the story, and that shorthand helped us create an authentic narrative.” This collaborative environment allowed for a deeper, more nuanced portrayal of the characters and their relationships, resulting in a film that feels genuine and true to its characters’ experiences.
Leah Harvey: Bringing Bills to Life
Leah Harvey, who plays the character Bills, shares insights into how the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and romance within the team were brought to life on-screen. Working with Anna, who plays Nelly, Leah was able to draw on their deep friendship, which dates back to their time at drama school.
“Anna and I have been friends for over ten years, so we already had a layered friendship we could pull from to portray the connection between our characters,” Leah explains. “Acting is about being present in the moment, and Anna and I had a lot of practice doing that together. We had a strong foundation to build on, which made portraying the emotions between Bills and Nelly natural.”
Leah also credits the team dynamic created by director Sara, which was crucial in establishing the relationships between the characters. “Sara created the dynamic, and we followed her lead,” Leah says. This sense of collaboration allowed the cast to work closely together, creating the authentic, supportive atmosphere that is so central to the story.
The Power of Community in Solers United
For Leah, the most powerful takeaway from Solers United is the theme of community and friendship. Through her character, Bills, Leah explores the challenges of opening up to others and embracing the connections that make life richer. “Bills struggles to open up to friendship and community, but by the end of the film, she learns to be more honest with herself and others. Life is better when you’re on a team,” Leah reflects.
This message resonates deeply with both the cast and audience, reminding everyone of the value of community—whether on the football pitch or in life itself.
A Transformative Experience
For both Sara and Leah, Solers United has been a transformative journey, one that has not only changed their perspectives on football but also reinforced the power of connection and representation. The film looks to inspire audiences, and serve as a reminder that the true impact of sports goes far beyond the game itself—it’s about the people, the relationships, and the communities we build along the way.
