In celebration of the start of the Women’s EURO, 80 girls from schools across Kingston and Richmond came together on Tuesday for a special Premier League Primary Stars girls football festival at Heathfield Junior School.
Delivered by Fulham FC Foundation’s all-female coaching team, the event was a celebration of the Women’s EURO kicking off and the Lionesses inspiring girls across the country of all abilities to enjoy the summer football tournament.
Throughout the morning, the girls took part in a carousel of football-themed games and activities focused on building skills, teamwork, and confidence.
“The morning activities with the Fulham coaches were great because everyone could play no matter their ability,” said Olivia, a sentiment echoed by many of the girls as they developed their confidence on the pitch.
The festival concluded with a friendly football tournament delivered by the Barclays School Games Organiser for Richmond, giving the girls the chance to put what they’d learned into practice in some friendly competition.
As the festivities came to an end, Paige, another participant, summed up the experience simply: “It was so enjoyable and fun, plus we all got medals!”
Samantha Hadley, Female Football Development Manager at Fulham FC Foundation, said: “It was fantastic to collaborate with the Barclays Girls Football Schools Partnerships Lead, Richmond Council and Heathfield Junior School to deliver such an impactful and inspiring girls football festival. Events like these are crucial to ensuring that girls have equal access and opportunity to participate in football activities. Seeing so many girls from local primary schools come together for this celebration event was hugely empowering, and we very much hope that we can continue to work in partnership with key stakeholders moving forward to continue delivering such meaningful events.”
For many of the girls, this was their first experience playing football, and Fulham FC Foundation are proud to be reinforcing just how important accessible opportunities are.
“It was a great day and went so well. Thank you, Sam and the team, for another fantastic event – the girls loved all the coaches and activities. I’d love to continue working with everyone on future events to provide girls with access and opportunities to play," said Jake Nuthall, Heathfield Junior School Teacher.
Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme. Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the programme uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.
Find out more about Premier League Primary Stars and our work with local schools at https://www.fulhamfc.com/foundation/what-we-do/primary-education
