Girls’ Football Activators at BGN
Twelve Year 9 girls from Blessed George Napier Catholic School have been trained as Football Activators on the Game of Our Own Leadership programme. The programme is part of the Football Association’s vision in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust and supported by Barclays to give every girl equal access to football in school by 2024.
During the summer term our Football Activators attended a mix of virtual events and workshops to inspire other girls at Blessed George Napier. They came together to organise a football taster session for Year 7 girls on Wednesday 23rd June during National School Sports Week.
As part of the planning process the Year 9 Football Activators produced a video promoting their event to Year 7 tutor groups. The event proved a big success with fifteen Year 7 girls taking part. Music was played throughout the hour session; participants took part in a carousel of activities working on passing, dribbling, shooting, communication, creating space and small sided games in a fun and relaxing environment. Mrs Wagstaff was also on hand to offer support and guidance to both Year 9 Football Activators and Year 7 students.
To conclude the programme the Year 9 Football Activators took part a live workshop with Jenna Downing, inline skater and Youth Sport Trust Athlete Mentor. The girls reflected on what they had learnt from the programme, evaluated their event and plans to promote more girls’ football at BGN in September and beyond.
As a recognition and commitment to the programme our Football Activators will receive a Youth Sport Trust Award. It also hoped they will continue to inspire and motivate more girls to take part in football.
“The girls football club was really fun, and we played lots of games that eased us into football at a steady pace. The Year 9 students were supportive and made sure everyone was involved. Thank you.” Daisy Year 7
“I really enjoyed the girls’ football. The Year 9 students were very helpful, they gave us tips while we were practising so we could be even better.“ Isla Year 7
“It was very fun, and I really enjoyed it. I hope we can get more girls into football.” Aoife Year 7
“I’ve enjoyed improving my leadership skills and inspiring more girls to play football.” Isabel Year 9 Football Activator
“From this experience, I have improved my communication and leadership skills. I have also increased my understanding on why girls should be given the opportunity to play football in and out of school.” Grace Year 9 Football Activator
“I have increased my knowledge on girls’ football and confidence to teacher younger students. I definitely think we should continue to encourage girls and give them the opportunity to play football.” Lucy Year 9 Football Activator
For more information please see girlsfootballinschools.org
Mr Mawn
School Sport Coordinator
