Let Girls Play initiative promotes equal access
Following on from International Women’s Day, more than 90,000 girls took part in football matches and sessions across the country at lunchtime, during a lesson, or after school as part of the #LetGirlsPlay initiative on Wednesday.
By 2024, The FA’s and Barclays ambition is for girls to have the same football opportunities as boys in schools and clubs. #LetGirlsPlay is a campaign to drive influence and change perceptions, showing that football can and should be played by girls.
It is bringing together a growing community of people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds who want to champion equal access for girls, helping create independent, resilient young girls who will be a force for good in all local communities.
And in Slough, more than 100 turned up at Arbour Park to participate in a range of practical and theory-based workshops.
The day started at 9:45am with an opening keynote speech from English football’s first female Muslim referee, Jawahir Roble.
Alex Pratt, Football Development Officer for Women, Girls, and Recreation, was also in attendance to get the Year 9 and Year 10 Slough secondary school girls moving with various drills, before the event finished at 2:15pm.
“Fantastic day today delivering a workshop for @BerksandBucksFA as part of #LetGirlsPlay,” he said on Twitter.
“Fantastic to see over 100 school girls enjoying the workshops in Slough sporting their white t-shirts.”
Arsenal legend and Barclays Football Ambassador, Ian Wright knows the importance of giving equal access to the sport. Speaking on the day, he tweeted: “I searched for many things growing up but football was not one of them. Football was always there, always available. On the estate, in the park, at school, at clubs.
“We need to set that right for girls and make sure they have equal access to our national game. #LetGirlsPlay.”