Alison Southgate, wife of former England football manager Gareth Southgate, carries with her a reserved strength and graciousness-often needed but hard to find-when standing behind a public figure. Married for over 25 years, Alison has kept her life well away from the limelight, standing as a pillar of support for Gareth throughout his journey in football.
Early Life and Meeting Gareth Southgate
Alison Bird was born on June 6, 1967, and grew up in London. Sometime in her early career, she worked in a boutique, reflecting an early interest in fashion. In the early 1990s, Alison met Gareth when he was just a young trainee at Crystal Palace. Their relationship started with a prosperous and speedy romance which saw them tie the knot in 1997. Alison is four years older than Gareth, and with the demands put on him from such a high-profile level, it surely must have been nice for him to have her stability and calming presence in his life.
A Private Life Away From the Limelight
Unlike many spouses of public figures, Alison does not relish being in the limelight. The Southgates live in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, relatively away from the limelight. Even though Gareth might be popular and well-known, Alison had to put her family first and at times did not attend any matches just to be able to pay attention to the kids.
Alison’s father-in-law once pointed out that she supports Gareth in his work but isn’t particularly interested in the sport. Of course, Alison’s independence and, as one may put it, no-nonsense disposition show through. She likes to counterbalance her husband’s high-pressure career with her own family-oriented values.
Family Life: Supporting Success
The Southgates have two children: Mia and Flynn. Mia, 24 years old, has been active on social media and often lets her followers in on her private family moments, like the sweet ones shared between her and her dad. Flynn, 20, recently completed a degree in politics at King’s College London and has been working his first internship in the legal field. Both kids are making their respective ways, touching on the supportive and nurturing environment set by the parents.
The supportive role of a partner
Alison’s influence on Gareth extends beyond the family circle. When he negotiated the stresses of managing the England national football team, Alison provided him with calm and steady reassurance. Gareth himself has often spoken of the support of his family, but especially how Alison’s encouragement has been integral to his career. She managed to balance privacy with support so well that her case draws comparisons to the other partners of football managers and players. Unlike other high-profile WAGs, Alison has brought rather reserved freshness to what such a partner should be in such a high-pressure environment.
FAQs
Who is Alison Southgate?
Alison Southgate is the wife of Gareth Southgate, the former manager of the England national football team.
How did Alison and Gareth Southgate meet?
Alison and Gareth met when he was a trainee at Crystal Palace, and she was working as a shop assistant.
How many children do Alison and Gareth Southgate have?
They have two children
Where do Alison and Gareth Southgate reside?
The couple resides in North Yorkshire, England.
How does Alison manage public attention due to her husband’s career?
Alison prefers to stay out of the limelight, maintaining a low profile despite her husband’s public career. She supports Gareth privately and is rarely seen in the media.
