International Women's Day Football Festival: A Wonderful and Inspiring Event

Alleyn’s Sports and Girls United Football have successfully delivered on their goals of inspiring the next generation of female football players off the back of the International Women's Day Girls Football Festival held at Alleyn’s over the weekend.  

Hosted in commemoration of International Women’s Day this Friday, the first of its kind event welcomed nearly 200 young female football enthusiasts to Alleyn’s to participate in a day of football related activities.   

The event featured a ‘Play like a Girl’ taster session which was open to girls from across South London aged 5-11 years old, followed by an U13 festival tournament involving local primary schools and local grassroots clubs. 

Alleyn’s Director of Sport, Mr. Shedwick, was impressed by the outcomes of the event, stating,  

‘The day was a fulfilling, inspiring and impactful showcase of the value of sport. We had just short of 200 girls aged 5-13 involved and I know the memories created will change young people’s attitudes and behaviours towards participation.  

‘It was powerful to see the pathways created and the aspiration and opportunity that we provided’. 

In an exciting guest appearance, Carly Telford, former Chelsea and England goalkeeper, inspired participants with a compelling interview that touched on her grassroots and professional sporting experiences.  

Carly relayed positive feedback about the day and couldn’t speak highly enough of the work Alleyn’s and Girls United are doing to promote girls' football. 

The delivery of this cornerstone event is a significant ‘score on the board’ toward breaking down gender stereotypes and providing opportunities for all girls to get involved in football and it wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration between Alleyn’s and Girls United Football.  

A special mention is also due to our enthusiastic and dedicated Middle School volunteers, who were crucial in helping the day run smoothly. A massive thanks to Betty, Seren, Nicole, Scarlett, Amii, Aggie, Joju, Sofia, Aviyah, Lois and Priya for their help throughout the day and for acting as brilliant role models for the young girls in attendance. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to support this meaningful and important facet of sport and can’t wait to deliver more events just like this in the future.