Across the month of March, Fulham FC and Fulham FC Foundation came together to celebrate International Women’s Day and provide women and girls with opportunities to take part in events and activities to mark the occasion.
Over 300 women and girls aged 5 years to adults attened open evenings, festivals, tournaments, workshops and matchdays. Kicking off on Friday 8th March, our Primary Education team hosted the Let Girls Play tournament and youth forum with 8 local primary schools, including Heathfield Junior School.
“Our girls at Heathfield loved it and were so happy on the way back to school. Not only were the coaches brilliant, but I wanted to mention how outstanding the young female players [from Raynes Park High School] were. A huge thank you to them! They did Fulham FC so proud today by supporting the event. Their interactions with our girls were amazing and they gave them an experience they will not forget.” – Jake, Teacher, Heathfield Junior School
On the same day, our DisAbility team partnered with Active Kingston, the School Games Organisers and St Philips School to run a KS3/4 Girls SEND Football Festival. The participants from six local schools took part in stations of different football activities and games followed by a round robin of fixtures after lunch.
Nearly 60 girls with special educational needs and disabilities took part in the festival; with some of them taking part in football for the first time, and others more experienced at the sport, all coming together to enjoy football in an inclusive environment.
Saturday 9th March, provided an opportunity for women and girls to try out our Pan DisAbility football sessions at Fulham FC’s Training Ground. Both groups nearly doubled in size on the day and it was great to see some new faces coming to join the Fulham Family!
Later that afternoon saw the EmpowHer festival engage with over 70 girls aged 8 to 16 years to experience playing in an inclusive and non-competitive environment. We were also joined by Georgia Heasman and Ellie Parker from Fulham FC Women who hosted a Q&A session.
“The Women's Day EmpowHer festival was fantastic. My daughter had been struggling with separation anxiety. The coaches were simply fantastic in making Phoebe feel comfortable and she had the best time.” - Mary, EmpowHer Parent
Our Health and Wellbeing team hosted several events, including a Women’s Walking Football tournament hosted at Fulham FC Training Ground, as well as an International Women’s Day session at Manresa Fulham Memories session.
There was a themed quiz and a special guest appearance from Fulham FC Women’s GK, Frankie Gibbs.
“It was really good. I think meeting Frankie was a highlight. She proved that as a woman you can achieve your dream.” - Sarah, Fulham Memories Participant
Throughout the month, the Women in Football series saw both Club and Foundation female staff members share their stories, experiences and careers within football with Foundation participants. This series shared the importance that women have a key role to play within football which will drive long term change within in the game.
“I just wanted to say thank you for allowing us to be part of the group this evening. We got to meet Poppy and Josie who have been to every panel session, which for me shows real commitment to make the effort in their own time outside of their training/participation to attend these sessions and get to meet all the different staff from the business! It was lovely to hear about them as well and they let us ask them some questions about their goals and aspirations they are a credit to the programs you run and I hope they continue their journey with the Foundation!” - Hayley Baker, Operations Manager and PA to the Chief Operating Officer, Fulham FC
“It was fantastic to see so many women and girls of all ages take part in activities and events to celebrate International Women’s Day. We were delighted to see that our post event survey recorded that 100% of participants felt inspired and engaged, whilst 86% of participants reported increasing social connection as a result of attending activities and events. It’s important to us that women and girls feel a sense of belonging when attending Fulham FC and Fulham FC Foundation events and I’m thrilled that these activities and events were able to do just that”. - Sam Hadley, Female Football Development Manager, Fulham FC Foundation
If you would like to get involved in any of our events and activities, click below to find an activity.
Alternatively, if you can’t find what you are looking for, get in touch at femalefootball@fulhamfc.com
