Fulham Football Club Foundation hosted an end of project celebration on Saturday 23rd July following the closure of their successful Aspire 2 Move Project last month.
The event, which took place at Craven Cottage, celebrated the programme by collectively showcasing the achievements of the girls who have taken part - whilst also rewarding them for their commitment and contribution.
Aspire 2 Move, funded by the Premier League & PFA Community Fund, as well as Sport England, has engaged with over 600 young women in over 7000 hours of education and sport activities across Merton, Kingston and Hammersmith & Fulham. This project was initially set up in 2008 to encourage young women aged 12-21 to get active and engage in their communities.
In recognition of the success of the programme, its participants, their friends and family, as well as project partners, gathered to celebrate the success of the programme over the past four years. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of Streetdance performances, presentations, awards and guest speakers, all recognising young women and their contribution to society.
The young female participants have achieved qualifications such as AQA accreditations, Community Sports Leaders Awards and an OCN Level 1 Dance. Much of the delivery has been supported by participants completing volunteering and work experience placements. Aspire 2 Move members have tried out a number of activities such as: football, dance, tennis, basketball, netball, climbing and team building activities, to name but a few. Many of these participants have also improved their health, have created employment opportunities and have grown in confidence and motivation during the process.
Following her recent involvement in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, England Women’s football international and Arsenal player, Rachel Yankey, attended the event and met with the participants. She is an advocate for girls involved in sport and positive activities, and an inspiration to many females.
Rachel Yankey said:
"I listened to the girls that took part in the Aspire 2 Move project give accounts about how much they had enjoyed the project and the skills they had learnt. It was inspiring listening to them and hearing about what they got out of the programme.
"So many of the girls had attended the project for different reasons and they have all met new friends, gained new experiences and some have carried out work experience with Fulham. They all had positive feedback for the programme because it allowed them to gain such wonderful experiences and instead of being shy and reserved, they were encouraged to take part in activities which was a very worthwhile experience for them.”
The young women, who have completed the Aspire 2 Move programme, will be encouraged to join similar projects in their local areas and at Fulham FC Foundation, such as the successful Kickz project. Fulham Football Club continues to promote social inclusion and is committed to working with young people. Fulham FC Foundation would like to thank all those who have made the project a huge success.