PARTICIPANTS from our Kings Academy cohort joined more than 60 girls and young women for a special Premier League Changemakers event as part of the Premier League’s commitment to supporting women and girls.
Delivered through the national Premier League Kicks and Premier League Inspires programmes, the event saw 14–16-year-olds from 15 professional football clubs come together at Leicester City’s King Power stadium to explore gender equality and opportunities for women within the football industry.
MFC Foundation’s youth engagement coordinator Eve Allen said the trip was very worthwhile and was delighted with our participation.
“We took three young people on the trip and they did amazingly well, participating in three different workshops across the day. We had the opportunity to listen and speak with some amazing and inspiring females within football. Including referee’s Bibi Steinhaus-Webb and Emily Heaslip, Bristol City Women Professional Footballer Shania Hayles and Leicester City in the Community, Community Coach Zahra Zahid.”
Ruth Shaw, Chief Executive of the Premier League Charitable Fund, said: “With Premier League Kicks and Premier League Inspires supporting more than 30,000 girls and young women every year, we know how important it is to promote equality, and champion girls and young women, both on and off the pitch.
“The Premier League Changemakers events offer a fantastic opportunity for girls and young women from across England and Wales to hear from role models within the football industry and supports the development of personal skills and positive attitudes that are crucial for leadership and future careers.”
Forty-seven club community organisations across the Premier League and English Football League currently deliver the programme.
More than 1,200 girls and young women have engaged in Premier League Changemakers to date.