Professional Footballer Visits Thetford Academy to Inspire Young Girls to Play Football

Female students from Thetford Academy this week took part in a range of football activities, to inspire more girls to take up the sport. The day was part of the “biggest ever football session”, a National project by The Football Association, which sees schools from across the country providing opportunities for more girls to play football. 

The event also saw Norwich City Women FC’s, Millie Daviss attend the event, to inspire girls to take part and talk about her career, as well as staff from Norfolk FA – with an aim of more girls developing their coaching / officiating skills, as well as increasing participation in the sport. Norwich City Women's FC also provided 50 tickets for their upcoming match vs QPR at Carrow Road for female students to experience watching a professional match. 

A total of 60 girls, none of whom play football currently, took part in the event, which also saw 10 female students from the Academy supporting and leading activities to act as young role models. Activities were all centered around developing confidence in football skills, as well as lots of opportunities to play small-sided games and take part in some football skill challenges. 

This festival is added to the weekly girl's football sessions, which have been created as part of the school’s enrichment programme – aiming to provide more competitive football opportunities for students at the Academy. 

Sarah Fulcher-Arnold, PE Teacher at Thetford Academy, said: 

“We are really proud as a school for providing equal access to football for girls. This event is part of our strategy to get more young girls playing football, and we are really appreciative of the support of Norfolk FA and Norwich City Women FC for supporting our event.” 

Danny Burton, Head of PE at Thetford Academy, said: 

“This is an exciting opportunity for more girls to experience football in a low-stakes, fun environment. It is great to see so many of our students playing the game, with smiles on their faces – as well as getting a unique opportunity to meet a professional player from the women’s game.” 

Millie Daviss, Player of Norwich City Women FC, said: 

“It was a pleasure to be involved with this event on International Women’s Day and see so many young girls enjoying themselves whilst playing football. It was also great to see the older girls leading the sessions and helping to build the foundations for others to play. 

 

After chatting to the staff it’s clear that there is a real emphasis on female football at Thetford Academy, and that’s really positive to see!”