I have recently had the incredible opportunity and privilege of attending the #LetGirlsPlay Awards ceremony and speaking on the panel of guests including some incredible role models – Clare Balding, Ellen White, Stephanie Coates, and Yasmin Hussain. It was an honour sharing the stage with household names, Euro 2022 winner Ellen White, Secondary school PE teacher and Let Girls Play Award Winner Stephanie Coates and Head of Women and Girls Coaching at Muslima Sport Association, Yasmin Hussain.
As someone who passionately advocates for gender equality, being a part of this event was inspiring but also humbling. As I sat on stage with such incredible people, I felt a relentless feeling of imposter syndrome. ‘What made me deserving to be on this stage, sharing my views alongside pioneers in the women’s game?’
Looking back, and after reflecting, I realise that this sense of vulnerability is an incredible strength, especially within leadership. Feeling like an imposter in moments like this proves that we are in the right place as youth leaders, pushing boundaries and being heard - contributing to something much bigger than ourselves.
The #LetGirlsPlay awards were a celebration of the incredible work being done nationwide to ensure that girls have the same opportunities to play football, especially within schools, as boys do. Why should girls be disadvantaged, and not included? The Barclays Girls Football School Partnership (BGFSP) commits to breaking down barriers in schools and creating pathways for girls to experience the game. The work that is carried out by the partnership would not be possible without the strategic leads, who are at the heart of the partnership and work tirelessly to drive change and change the stereotypical norms. Their dedication is paving the way for not only today’s generation, but for generations to come, ensuring that football is equal and girls can not only play but excel in the sport. These strategic leads are so much more than just coaches and coordinators; they are changemakers, mentors, and fierce advocates for equality.
Their work was showcased and awarded throughout the ceremony and was nothing short of inspirational. From developing inclusive football programmes to creating spaces where girls can thrive both on and off the pitch, these leaders are showing just what is possible when passion meets purpose, and ambition meets drive and pure determination.
As a male ally to the female game, my role on the panel was both a privilege and a responsibility. Advocacy is not taking the spotlight but is standing in solidarity and amplifying the voices of young women and girls from across the country. I believe male allies, have a crucial part to play in advancing gender equality within football by advocating for and supporting women and girls’ football whilst also challenging the status quo. My question to you, is what are you doing to change women and girls’ football for the better?
As I reflect on the #LetGirlsPlay Awards, I am filled with hope and inspiration for what comes next, there has already been significant strides made through BGFSP towards ensuring equal access to football for girls, but there is still plenty more work to do – the equal investment by Barclays into both the male and female football pathways is a testament to this, but also a sign of the dedication and commitment that Barclays show to making football equal. The evening was a powerful reminder of how far we have come, whilst still keeping us grounded and reminding us that the journey is still ongoing, and the train is full steam ahead!
The future of girls’ football depends on continued collaboration and partnerships, innovation, and advocacy. It relies on more male allies stepping up, girls stepping out of their comfort zone to play in local football teams, or advocating for equal resources in schools, more strategic leads pushing boundaries, and more schools embracing the mission of equal access.
So where do you sit within that? What are you currently doing to support the female game, and what are your next steps?
