Play Like a Girl launches Pan-disability football session

Thanks to support from Access Sport, London Football, and Shport we're thrilled to announce a brand new addition to our Play Like a Girl programme, a dedicated pan-disability football session, opening up our social football programme to even more players in our community.

The new session will run every Friday from 5-6pm, alongside our existing Play Like a Girl session at Prendergast Ladywell School, and is open to players aged 5-11 with disabilities.

Play Like a Girl has always been about creating a space where every young person feels welcome, included, and empowered through football. This new pan-disability session reflects our commitment to making that vision a reality for all, regardless of ability.

Whether your young player is new to football or already loves the game, we'd love to see them on the pitch. We welcome players, parents, carers, and guardians to come along on a Friday and be part of something brilliant.

For more information email lee@girlsunitedfa.org.

To sign up please create an account on Coacha and book onto the session:

 

Entrance on Ewhurst Road

IWD26: Forward in Numbers

International Women’s Day 2026 marked a powerful moment for Girls United, bringing together players, partners and communities across London and Mexico under one shared message: progress happens when we move forward in numbers.

This year’s campaign focused on collective action, shifting the spotlight away from individual stories to the strength of community. Across both regions, the activity combined football, leadership and storytelling to create meaningful, visible change for the next generation.
“Forward in Numbers” set the tone for IWD26, reinforcing that equality in football and beyond is driven by growing participation and shared momentum. The campaign embedded this message into existing programmes, ensuring it felt lived on the pitch, in schools and within communities.

The result was a joined-up, global activation that connected grassroots delivery with wider visibility and fundraising goals, while keeping player voice at the centre.

Impact at a glance

Across the campaign, Girls United delivered:

• 6 events across London and Mexico

• 600 attendees engaged

• 60,000+ social impressions

• 9 supporting partners involved

London:

The 9th annual IWD Adult Tournament brought together 200 players across 25 teams at GOALS Wimbledon, creating an inclusive space that celebrated leadership, identity and belonging through football.

Off the pitch, activations from partners including Bodyset and raffle contributions from brands helped turn the event into both a fundraising and community moment, reinforcing the role of partnerships in sustaining access. 

“We absolutely LOVED being part of this event and we were delighted to support so many of the players over the weekend.” Emma Fouracre, Head of Marketing Bodyset.

Alongside this, Play Like a Girl IWD Week removed barriers by offering free sessions across multiple sites, engaging 114 girls and introducing 14 new players to the programme, many of whom have already returned.

Flexible, local delivery proved key, increasing participation while deepening engagement through workshops, peer-led formats and visible role model conversations.

The Love the Game school tournament extended this impact into education settings, bringing together 8 schools and 100 players for a day of football and confidence-building workshops with Inner Wings, reinforcing the link between sport, self-belief and school engagement.

The FotMob Careers Workshop, hosted at Wembley, in partnership with FC sponsor FotMob, highlighted another critical layer of the campaign, expanding visibility of opportunities in sport beyond playing.

Fifteen young people engaged directly with industry leaders from FotMob, Girls on the Ball, Versus and Nike, gaining insight into roles across media, technology and football, while partners deepened their understanding of the players’ ambitions and experiences.

This reflects a broader aim, not just increasing participation, but widening access to leadership and career pathways within sport.

“It was so lovely to meet all of the girls and hear about their passions - some of them had such excellent ideas. Everyone at VERSUS is so grateful and we'd love to be included in anything else you do like this going forward. From a personal POV it was amazing to be alongside such fantastic people in the sports industry.” Katie Catherall, VERSUS.

Mexico: from grassroots to greatness

In Mexico City, the partnership with TMJ Foundation created a multi-layered community activation, engaging 120 participants including players, parents and coaches.

The event combined:

• Leadership and nutrition workshops

• Pitch improvements and community mural work

• Matchday experiences for young players

This approach strengthened both infrastructure and aspiration, giving girls tangible pathways while bringing families into the journey.

The activation also reached over 31,000 views on socials, showing how local impact can scale digitally.

On March 21st, we hosted our second annual 8M Mexico Adult Tournament on the pitches of the Mexican Football Federation, with 250 players joining from 11 teams. Made possible by Mexican Federation, Skarch (Hydration Sponsor) and 11Legends.

“Today I got to play on the pitches of the Mexican Football Federation, and I didn’t fully understand what that meant until someone said, “Thank you, today I fulfilled my dream of playing here, this proves there’s no age limit on dreams.” That’s when it clicked, where I was, and what today meant for so many of us.

What does it mean to be a girl in 2026?

One of the strongest shifts in IWD26 was the move away from abstract messaging to lived experience.

Content focused on real questions:

• Do you feel represented in football?

• What does it mean to grow up as a girl today?

• Who is in your team behind you?

This approach brought authenticity and depth, with over 30 campaign posts and up to 6.8k views per post, alongside 80k+ page views during International Women’s Month.

It ensured that IWD remained relevant to the next generation, not just a moment of celebration, but a platform for honest reflection and future change.

Moving Forward in Numbers

IWD26 showed what is possible when programmes, partners and players align around a shared purpose. From grassroots sessions to international partnerships, the campaign demonstrated that growth is not just about scale, but about connection.

For Girls United, this is the direction forward, building environments where more girls can play, lead and belong, and where collective progress continues to accelerate.

International Day of the Girl 2025: Celebrating the Power to Play

This October, Girls United marked International Day of the Girl with a series of events across London and Mexico - each designed to spotlight the Power to Play and the pathways in football that help players move, play and thrive.

Over five days, players, coaches, and partners came together to celebrate progress, create new opportunities, and continue driving our mission forward: making football accessible to every girl who wants to play.

Building Confidence in Kennington

The celebrations began on 8 October with a Play Like a Girl session at Kennington Park, focused on confidence building and player recruitment.

Nineteen girls took part, including five attending for the first time. Led by volunteer coaches Yara and Emily, the group worked through a carousel of stations focused on attacking, defending, and ball mastery - creating visible moments of growth in just one session.

The afternoon ended with a full match and gift bags for players who best demonstrated teamwork and persistence.

“I learnt some new dribbling skills from Emily, she taught us how to wobble the ball between our feet. I feel more confident because I was a goalie and I hadn't done it before but my teammates made me feel really good about being in goal. The sessions are really fun and my teammates, including my cousin, make me feel really happy and make me laugh.” Ibtisam, age 10

Love the Game at Dulwich College

On 10 October, more than 120 girls from nine schools in our Love the Game programme gathered at Dulwich College for a full day of matches, encouragement, and celebration.

The event captured what Love the Game represents - giving girls regular access to football in schools, while helping teachers and players build inclusive sporting environments.

We’re now inviting more schools to join the programme and take part in future tournaments that promote teamwork, participation, and fun over competition.

Make Football Accessible

On 11 October, we hosted our annual Make Football Accessible Match at Merky FC HQ. Thirty players, seven mascots, three referees, and two team managers took part - supported by friends, family, and our community of partners.

The match raised £3,750 for Girls United’s Community Pricing Programme, helping to ensure that girls across South London can access sessions for as little as £1 per season.

“Playing as a team for such a meaningful event - and having my children cheering me on - was incredible.”

We’re grateful to everyone who made the event possible:

• Minaa Simone

• Chinonso Chinaka

• BCOMS

• Mamma Dough

• Marks & Spencer

• Morrisons

• Five Star Trophies

• Southprints

Matchday Inspiration with London City Lionesses

On 12 October, Girls United players attended London City Lionesses vs West Ham as part of our Sister Club partnership.

Players had the chance to meet goalkeeper Sophia Poor, take part in pre-match activities, and see professional women’s football up close - reinforcing that the pathways they’re building through Girls United can lead to opportunities at every level of the game.

Expanding Opportunities in Mexico

Across the Atlantic, our Ama el Juego (Love the Game) programme in Iztapalapa hosted International Day of the Girl festivals with the same goal: increasing girls’ participation in football through community engagement.

At Utopía Meyehualco in Mexico City, 99 girls and 90 parents and guardians joined a free five-a-side tournament with support from 8 staff members and 4 volunteers from the community. Fifteen teams representing local schools competed in a positive, family-supported environment where the emphasis was on enjoyment and inclusion.

Winning teams included Dragones de Villa Cid, Primaria Fabián García, and Gossi Fútbol, with all participants receiving certificates and prizes.

"There were a lot of games, but we're doing what we love most on our day. It's like a birthday." – Alexa, Gossi Fútbol

Special thanks to Embajada de Estados Unidos, Utopía Meyehualco, Gossi Fútbol, and La Corona Sports Media for their collaboration and support.

A Shared Commitment

From London to Mexico, these events reflected the same core principle - that every girl should have access to spaces where she feels confident, supported, and free to play.

International Day of the Girl is more than a celebration. It’s a reminder of why Girls United exists and why we’ll continue to build programmes that create pathways for girls to thrive on and off the pitch

PLG Peckham Rye Euros Takeover

Sunday 6th July 2025 - Girls United and the Play Like a Girl (PLG) Programme took over Peckham Rye. 

With PLG starting on Peckham Rye and this season often seeing attendance get close to 50 girls per week - what better place to celebrate not only the Women’s Euros but also the success of PLG this season. Could we get girls from every PLG session to attend? Could we get 100 girls on site? Could we put on a spectacle that left players, carers, coaches, partners inspired by what we do? The weather forecast looked like it was going to try and ruin the morning with thunder and lightning, however I think we have a young player by the name of Mary Cassama to thank for the change in forecast.

Her mum had this to say. 

“Mary was praying all night. We thank God for responding to her prayers because she really wanted to attend the event on Sunday.”

We saw girls arriving in a whole array of colours and shirts representing their teams and countries, from a classic Holland kit, South Africa, England, Portugal - there really was a sea of colour across the Rye, highlighting not only European countries but the diversity of our community from around the world. 

Coach Lorna also organised a boot drive so players could come and swap out their boots for a bigger size if needed. The boot drive has become a regular fixture at events with boots being collected and donated throughout the year, proving to be a much loved resource for parents and guardians to keep up with their fast growing players.

As sessions got underway, parents and guardians sat back and enjoyed the morning sunshine with their coffee and pastry from Cafe G. Some then took part in an adult beginners session whilst others just carried on soaking up the vibes. We also had plenty of partners and external companies come along to see our work and players first hand.

With London Football covering our event for the Nationwide Big Football Day and interviewing girls and London City Lionesses bringing along their WSL2 Champions trophy and talking about their players out in Switzerland playing in the Euros - our players took the spotlight and felt a real connection to the larger football community.

It was a brilliant morning all round and for passersby wondering what all the energy was about, they were witnessing a Girls United PLG session in full swing

The stats:

• Total Attendance: 77 Girls

• Ages ranges: 5 - 14 (plus a three year old joining with our friends at Mercury/13 joining for her first ever football session!) 

• Regular Sunday PLG girls in attendance - 49

• Brand new to GU & PLG - 4

• Girls From other PLG Sessions - 6  from across Streatham, Oasis St Martin’s, Prendergast, Kennington

• Girls From FC - 17 a number of whom started their journey at PLG and formerly Wildcats

• Returning LTG player - 1

• Partners and Others involved - London Football, London City Lionesses, Mercury 13, Womens View, Nixi Body, Morrisons Peckham Donation, MAS Energy Drink, Big Football Day,

What other people had to say. 

Adam Watson - Father of Celia Watson, 11

A properly warm welcome, an opportunity to swap to some bigger boots. A chance to meet some of the amazing people from London City Lionesses and their trophy, and to meet many more of the amazing Girls United coaches. Some brilliantly engaging coaching - a score line based on more than just goals, inspiring the girls to try some crazy things. Then a lovely prize giving and free drinks. All in 2 hours. As I said, amazing. 

My daughter’s been at PLG pretty much every Sunday for almost a season, and yes I can see her football skills improving significantly. But more importantly, I can also see the impact it’s had on her as a person - on her confidence, her desire to collaborate, and her willingness to be seen, and even to lead. A properly inspiring human approach to football coaching that blows me away every weekend. 

That’s thanks to you Lee, and Lorna and all the other coaches who show up every Sunday. 

Siobhan Armstrong - Mum of Yuna Armstrong-Phillips, 9

Sunday was an example of all the wonderful things Girls United Play Like a Girl programme has to offer. 

These events show our girls that they belong and they have an important place in football. Not just for those that show exceptional and promise, but also for those who turn up and give themselves a chance to shine and grow. The care, organisation and sense of event gives them the right of place in society that is so often denied to them girls. Not only that, but it makes it the norm.

I’m also a huge fan of the beginners adult session as it not only allows us to portray a good example, but makes me as a woman who was never given the chance before, feel like I can share in my daughter’s journey. 

Shannon Hyner - London Football Marketing and Communications Manager

It was a pleasure to attend the Girls United Big Football Event on behalf of London FA. It was inspiring seeing all the different kits the girls were wearing and listening to their stories behind why those kits meant something to them. Having such a variety of age groups all just enjoying playing football under the light of the Euros just shows the impact clubs like Girls United are having on the football community in London and providing opportunities for girls to play just to fall in love with the game. We are very proud of Girls United here at London FA and hope to continue to support them on their incredible journey in changing the landscape for women and girls football in the capital.

A huge thank you to PLG Parent and photographer Paul Calver for capturing the event - photos can be seen here

International Women's Day: Accelerate Action from Playground to Pitch

Accelerate Action brought together over 70 people to explore how sport drives change—from playground to pitch.

On 8 April 2025, Girls United hosted Accelerate Action: From Playground to Pitch at King’s College London. The evening brought together players, investors, journalists, academics, coaches, and advocates to explore how sport can be a tool for equity—economically, culturally, and individually.

The event was hosted in partnership with the King’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Network, with support from Lloyd’s Women’s FC, Amwins Global Risks, and Everest Insurance. It built on the Girls United methodology—Explore, Inspire, Empower- to ask what it really takes to accelerate gender parity in and through sport.

Victoire Cogevina: “This is the future.”

The evening opened with a keynote from Victoire Cogevina, Co-CEO of Mercury/13, in conversation with Girls United board member Steph Powell. Victoire shared how her first Girls United tournament visit while seven months pregnant helped spark the vision for her multi-club ownership company:

“I remember seeing all these girls so excited to play, and I kept looking around thinking, ‘This is the future.’ That event, directly and indirectly, truly inspired what then became Mercury/13.”

Victoire reflected on the lack of autonomy in women’s football: “Women's football doesn’t have financial freedom. They depend on men’s teams, on federations, on foundations. That means they’re not allowed to make their own decisions and own their own future.”

She added: “I built the first pitch deck for Mercury/13 45 minutes before giving birth to my daughter. Everything I do is for her.”

And on building sustainable structures: “The biggest responsibility we had in building this company was making sure the clubs we acquire don’t create new dependency—but actually sustain themselves over time.”

Her message was clear: “The women’s sports audience has been silent, underserved, and completely untapped. They're half the world—and they’re ready.”

Investing in the full value of sport

In the first panel, Lauren Domfe challenged the way we define impact: “I think it’s about reorienting how we look at economic value. Especially beyond sport—it’s the coach, the mentorship, the moral support. There’s real social value in that.”

She also reminded us that identity in sport is broad and inclusive: “You don’t need to define yourself as the best in the sport to be a sportswoman. Sport doesn’t have to be your whole identity for it to be valid.”

Kayla Lennox addressed the structural gaps: “There is no product right now at governing body level that provides proper cover for women’s sport. It’s left to individuals to figure out their own private insurance—which is expensive and often out of reach.”

She continued, “We want to invest early—so players don’t have to self-insure or rush back to work or sport. That’s what leads to re-injury, and it’s preventable.”

Laura Edwards spoke to the confidence and life skills sport builds: “In sport, I learned I had to fail in order to succeed. That’s something school doesn’t always teach—but it’s essential to life.”

“Leadership, resilience, trusting your body—sport gives young women confidence that carries far beyond the pitch.”

Culture, Visibility and Belonging

The second panel focused on cultural change in sport. Anne Onwusiri began by recognising the grassroots spirit of women’s football:

“In my eyes, women's football always started as an anti-culture kind of thing. Most people that played sport probably didn't have a team to play with, so they started their own women's team, or had to dress up as a boy, or pretend to be a boy, to be able to fit into this team and be able to do what they wanted.”

They continued, “I think there's always that element of rebelliousness that I think women's sport will always have.”

And they challenged the room to do more: “It's important that we bring along people that are even more marginalised- trans women, people of colour- and use sport to raise their voice.”

Suzy Wrack called out the structural inequities in funding: “Women's sport is expected to prove that it can make money before it gets investment. And that is the opposite of every other business we know- you have to invest money to make money. So we're fighting that in every single arena, which is kind of mad, especially when men's football... have huge, huge debts. Why is it that women's sport and women's football is having to prove itself all the time?””

Jack Badu reflected on the role of authenticity: “I think the space has to be genuine. If we're making promises to young people about what they're going to gain from sport, we have to follow through with that.”

He also highlighted the power of consistency: “If you do care, you're going to be there every single week. And I think in terms of community-based sessions, that's where you get real joy, because you can see that development through that young person.”

Jack closed with a nod to Girls United’s impact: “The reason I thought Girls United was a great organisation is because of the people that were working within it. There will be struggles with pitches, there will be struggles with funding. But actually, if you have a collective grassroots organisation that has a strong foundation, you actually don't need to look above.”

A Call to Action

Attendees joined a workshop to map solutions around visibility, access, media representation, coaching, and mental health. Over 30 pledges were made—from becoming coaches and mentors to launching funding initiatives and policy advocacy.

Girls United is already delivering on the majority of actions raised-providing affordable programmes, women-led coaching, inclusive sessions, and career pathways across London and Mexico.

Accelerate Action made it clear: the barriers are real, but so are the solutions. And Girls United is already leading the way.

International Women's Day: 8th Annual Adult Tournament

On Saturday 8th March 2025, 35 teams took part in Girls United’s 8th Annual International Women’s Day Adult Tournament at Shoreditch Powerleague, celebrating inclusion, community, and leadership through sport.

The tournament welcomed over 300 players from 35 teams—female, trans, and non-binary—across all skill levels for an afternoon of grassroots football, connection, and celebration.

This year’s campaign theme, From Playground to Pitch, focused on the journey girls take through football, from their first kick in the schoolyard to becoming confident, community leaders. The tournament is part of our wider Girls United mission to empower girls through football by creating inclusive, supportive environments where they can develop confidence, leadership, and technical skills both on and off the pitch.

The overarching theme of Accelerate Action speaks to a global urgency. At the current rate, it will take 134 years to achieve gender equality. We believe sport is one of the fastest, most effective tools for closing that gap-equipping girls with confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the pitch.

Matches ran throughout the sunny afternoon and were supported by volunteers and referees from across the football community. Our partners from Lloyd’s Women’s Football Club, Amwins Global Risks, and Everest Insurance International® joined us on the day, sharing their commitment to a more inclusive sporting landscape.

Romina Calatayud, Girls United Founder and CEO, said:

“As women’s football has grown, so has our tournament. We can’t get enough pitches to fit all the teams that sign up these days. It shows how much people value the spaces we’re creating—where everyone belongs and the game is for everyone.”

Alongside the action on the pitch, a fundraising raffle raised money to support our community pricing model. This helps ensure anyone who wants to play can access football, regardless of background or income.

This year’s Girls United IWD celebrations were bigger than ever with a youth event taking place at Alleyn’s School the same day, youth and adult events in Mexico, and an Accelerate Action event hosted with King’s College, bringing the Girls United Methodology to life in focusing on the economic, cultural and individual value of women in football.

We’re proud to continue building inclusive spaces that empower people to play, lead, and grow. The IWD Tournament is one of many touch points in our year-round work across London and Mexico, bridging play and purpose every step of the way.

8M 2025: Acelerando la Equidad en México a través del futbol

En un mundo donde el deporte sigue siendo un territorio desigual, Girls United tomó acciones decisivas para #AcelerarlaEquidad a través del futbol para conmemorar el Día Internacional de la Mujer.

Con más de 366 niñas y mujeres participando en tres eventos clave en CDMX y Quintana Roo: el Torneo 8M y los Festivales Ama el Juego, se visibilizó a una comunidad que no va a parar hasta que las niñas y mujeres podamos vivir un futbol accesible, sano, seguro y divertido en el que todas podamos jugar.

Construyendo el futbol que merecemos

El Torneo 8M 2025 reunió a 25 equipos de mujeres en la Universidad Iberoamericana, donde no solo se jugaron 58 partidos, sino que también se compartieron historias de resiliencia y de amor por el futbol. Las 263 jugadoras se plantaron en la cancha para que más niñas tengan acceso al futbol: un espacio para jugar, conectar y para transformar sociedades e individuos.

Momentos especiales
De la tele a la cancha: En los esfuerzos por darles a las mujeres la experiencia y reconocimiento que merecen, sumamos a Paulina Chavira, Natalia León, Ivonne Almaraz y Vane Yero como narradoras de las finales de las categorías competitivas y recreativas.
Arantza toma el micrófono: Arantza, jugadora de Girls United Iztapalapa tomó el micrófono para compartir lo que el futbol significa para ella y todo lo que ha traído a su vida, así como la discriminación que ha vivido en la escuela por amar el futbol. Las mujeres, de quienes muchas vivieron esa misma historia, corearon su nombre y la animaron a seguir luchando por sus sueños y por lo que le hace feliz.
Embajadoras: Nos acompañaron pioneras del futbol femenil en México para celebrar los avances y seguir luchando para cerrar la brecha. Adriana Prieto, Gerente de sustentabilidad en Mercado Libre fue la anfitriona; Ana Galindo, ex DT de la Sub 20 Femenil de la Selección Mexicana; La Wera Kuri, Fundadora de Fut Sin Género, y Blue Women Pink Men, y Host de La Liga; Brenda Möller, Directora de Dale Vuelta; Daniela Paulín, la mejor portera en los World Beach Games Qualifier 2019, arquera número uno en su disciplina de la Concacaf, y entre las primeras 30 mejores jugadoras del mundo de futbol de playa; Ana Reynoso, Representante de Laureus Sport for Good en CDMX; Alejandra Aguilar, Fundadora de Futbol Moms y la Dra. Michelle Gama, Directora del Centro de Estudios Críticos de Género y Feminismos de la Universidad Iberoamericana, compartieron mensajes durante el día para hablar sobre la importancia de estos espacios para crear el futuro que queremos para el futbol femenil en México.

“De jugar con 25 niños y ser la única niña, a tener 25 equipos de mujeres... es increíble.”

LAS NIÑAS QUE AMAN EL JUEGO, CAMBIAN EL JUEGO

El Festival Ama el Juego en Iztapalapa y Chetumal brindó a decenas de niñas la oportunidad de jugar, aprender y crecer en un ambiente seguro e inclusivo. Con un enfoque en seis habilidades de vida clave (trabajo en equipo, confianza, resiliencia, comunicación, liderazgo y toma de decisiones), cada partido fue una muestra del impacto que tiene el implementar una metodología que ponga a las niñas al centro y al frente del futbol.

AL FUTBOL FEMENIL YA NADIE LO (NOS) PARA

Con más de 360 participantes en estos eventos, 112 millones de personas alcanzadas en medios, 295 goles y 98,000 MXN recaudados para beneficiar a 289 niñas, Girls United sigue demostrando que el cambio es imparable.

Gracias a aliadxs, embajadoras y todas las personas que saben que la equidad se necesita dentro y fuera de la cancha. Estamos #AcelerandolaEquidad y asegurando que ninguna niña vuelva a escuchar que "el fútbol no es para ellas".

El futuro es de y para todas. Pongamos el balón en nuestra cancha.

Agradecemos enormemente a los patrocinadores de este evento, marcas comprometidas con el desarrollo comunitario y la equidad a través del futbol:

• Universidad Iberoamericana CDMX

• INDEPORTE CDMX

• Jumex, Hidratación con Causa

• GNP, Médica Móvil

• Evolv

• MG Sports

• 11LGNDS

• Trophy International

• Futbol Moms

International Women’s Day: Girls United x Alleyn’s School Youth Festival

60 girls from South London participated in a collaborative Play Like a Girl Session to celebrate International Women’s Day.

On Saturday 8th March 2025, Girls United hosted our second International Women’s Day Youth Festival in partnership with Alleyn’s School.

The day saw 60 girls, aged 5-12 years old, take part in the Girls United Play Like a Girl (PLG) session. The players had the opportunity to play in a free and accessible session for 1.5 hours, before celebrating each other with prizes. Our partners, Alleyn’s school, continued the celebration by inviting local schools and grassroots clubs in a festival for girls aged 12+.

The PLG session was specifically designed by coaches to bring together football and life skills, encouraging determination whilst celebrating women. At the end of the session, individuals were highlighted from each group for showing inspiring qualities and rewarded with our partners’ kind donations, providing inspiration for future play.

We are dedicated to making football more accessible and inclusive. With the support of partners such as London Football and Alleyn’s School, there has been more participation in social football at Girls United during the 24/25 season compared to any other season!

A parent of Girls United player Matilda Tipper, who attended the event, told us:

“So positive and uplifting for the girls and us parents to see – many of us spoke afterwards about the values being championed by the coaches. The girls feel welcome. I know some of them who never thought they’d feel like that in football, or who were made to feel unwelcome in other classes. We’re so grateful to have this in our lives!!!”

Lee Webb, our PLG Programme Lead, said:

“What a morning! Seeing so many girls in one space playing social football is the stuff dreams are made of. There really is a place for everyone. We saw girls from across all 3 Girls United programmes, plus girls who had never interacted with us before. The sessions were all about getting the girls to interact with new people and making sure everyone felt included. Being able to deliver our sessions in front of partners and parents felt like a real moment of success as it gave them some real insight into what we do and how we do it. How we provide sessions for girls of all abilities. How we make football not about winning and losing but more about social learning. We just want as many girls playing football as possible.”

Alleyn’s Director of Football, Ollie Beauchampow, reflected:

"It was incredible to welcome over 230 girls to Alleyn's for a fun filled festival of football to mark International Women's Day! This event is a celebration of the long standing, and close relationship we have with Girls United. I want to thank Allana Francis Ashmeil (The FA Regional Talent Manager) and Jess King (The FA Regional Talent ID Coach), who attended this event to cast their eyes over the next generation of Lionesses! It was inspiring to see the number of girls involved, but also the amount of quality of football on show."

Chloe Cospey, London FA’s Women and Girls Recreational Programmes Officer, said: 

“London FA is delighted to support Girls United in celebrating International Women’s Day, reinforcing our shared commitment to empowering young girls to play football and ensuring they have access to equal opportunities to thrive in sport and beyond. It’s inspiring to see initiatives like this creating lasting impact, and we’re proud to play a part in fostering inclusivity and opportunity for the next generation.”

Partners - Girls United would like to thank everyone involved in supporting and delivering this open and accessible session:

• Alleyn’s School

• London Football

• Kitlocker

Love The Game: International Day of The Girl Event

International Day of the Girl exists to recognise the potential of girls worldwide and to highlight the challenges they face. 

On Thursday 10th October 2024, Girls United FA (GU), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering girls through football, hosted their annual Primary School football event for girls in partnership with Dulwich College. 

9 Primary Schools (creating 10 teams) from the South London community came together to celebrate the day by playing exciting on pitch fixtures, discussing what makes them confident and celebrating their own confidence. Over 90 girls took part in the day, and a total of 55 games took place on the excellent playing facility at Dulwich College.

Turnham Academy took the team title with an impressive 26 points but were taken to the last game where they faced an impressive Granton team (who finished 2nd with 21 points). This event provided the opportunity for girls who may not play in regular competitions to experience a positive space and test their skills against other Girls United partners. 

Each team nominated a confident individual to win a bespoke Girls United prize which could capture their ability to try new things and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. 

Abigail Ingram, GU London manager, reflected: “It was an incredible day where the local community celebrated our inspiring young girls and gave them the opportunity to strive and succeed on and off the pitch.

Our Primary school programme is really influential in our ability to support more girls to become active, to have access to football and to truly fall in love with football. Event days like this really demonstrate the coaches and school staff’s weekly commitment to encourage and support girls to fall in love with sport and be confident to be active. We are so grateful for Dulwich College’s continued support with our events and providing incredible access to facilities to inspire our local community.”

Mr. Whitehead, Dulwich College Head of Sports Partnerships & Head of Football: “It was wonderful to be able to host the Girls United - Love The Game: International Day of the Girl Event. Welcoming girls from local primary schools and assisting Girls United to provide more opportunities for them to be more active and have access to sport and football in particular, is always a pleasure. It is fantastic to be able to play a small part in the amazing event and it was lovely seeing so much enjoyment from the players throughout the day.”

Christopher Barber, Turnham Academy Teacher: “Turnham Academy were lucky enough to be invited to the Love The Game: International Day of The Girl Event organised by Girls United and hosted by Dulwich College. It was an excellent day and a fitting way to celebrate International Day of The Girl. I was so proud of the Turnham team as they were able to put into practise so many of the skills and values that are taught during our Girls United sessions. Some of the players have been a part of the programme since Year 3 and it is amazing to see how their confidence has grown and how they have developed their skills during this time. This comes from having the safe space that Girls United provides them with.”

Partners - Girls United would like to thank everyone involved in supporting and delivering the annual Love The Game x International Day of the Girl Event:

• Dulwich College

• Nike

• Morrisons - Peckham

Make Football Accessible: Campaign Launch

£3,000 has been raised by players from the Make Football Accessible Match, which will go directly to remove financial barriers for girls from South London to participate in football. 

On Saturday 24th August 2024, Girls United FA (GU), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering girls through football, hosted their first fundraising match to launch their Make Football Accessible in partnership with Alleyn’s School. 

27 individuals from the South London community came together to fundraise to support the GU community pricing offer, which focuses on removing financial barriers by providing access to football from £1 per season. The day saw the community come together to celebrate accessible football on and off the pitch through a competitive match and insightful and inspiring networking panel.
The Griffins vs The Lanes, managed by special guests Lois Roche and Hannah Godfrey vs GU staff, Lee Webb and Sabina Hollywood saw a closely contested game resulting in a 5-4 win to the Griffins. The rain didn’t stop the GU community coming to cheer on players with mascots walking out from local programmes. 

The players of the match were awarded to individuals who were highlighted for showing “inspiring” qualities and rewarded with our partners’ in-kind donations to provide a match day experience deserved thanks to the fundraising efforts of individuals. 

Abigail Ingram, GU London manager, reflected: “It was an incredible day where the local community united to kickstart the Make Football Accessible Campaign. The day empowered our partners to commit to accessibility of the sport in the upcoming season, ahead of the 2025 Women’s Euros. We are so grateful for Alleyn’s continued dedication in helping us bring our mission to life and grow opportunities for young females in South London.”
“Having key stakeholders and emerging voices inspire our audience was powerful! We are grateful to Lois and Hannah for sharing their experiences as professionals and making that accessible for the next generation. But the highlight for me was seeing players cheer on their coaches, parents, guardians, and our community coming together to ensure free and discounted sessions for players next season!”

Lois Roche and Hannha Godfrey, winning team managers and panel speakers; “Thank you to GU for putting on an incredible event. It’s amazing to be around like minded people with the same passion and dedication to support the next generation and help grow the women’s game just like we do at Pro2Pro. It’s so important that everyone has the equal opportunity to fulfil their potential, or to just simply enjoy the game that we all love. We look forward to working together in the future to break down barriers and make football accessible to all.”

Ali Speechly, Make Football Accessible Panel Host: “It was a privilege to host such an amazing panel on Saturday and discuss the importance of making football accessible for everyone. There are so many benefits to playing sport - not just physical, but psychological and social as well - and all girls should have access to these benefits. We also want to see our football teams at every level reflect the diverse communities in our city, and making football accessible to everyone at a grassroots level is an essential part of this. GU is a brilliant organisation doing vital work in the community and, as a South Londoner myself, it is a genuine pleasure to support them.”

Partners

Girls United would like to thank everyone involved in supporting and delivering the first Girls United Make Football Accessible Campaign Event:

• Alleyn’s School

• Pro 2 Pro Academy - Lois Roche and Hannah Godfrey

• Kit Locker

• Morrisons - Peckham

• Redemption Roasters - Dulwich Village

• Jade Beason

• Dulwich Hamlet Supporters

• Extra Mile Athletes - James Morse

Check out images here.

Notes:

For more information, please contact Girls United, London Manager, abigail@girlsunitedfa.org

Girls United FA: Girls United removes barriers to football, building pathways that empower girls and women to fulfil their potential, on and off the pitch.

Make Football Accessible Donation Page:

https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/Girls-United-Football-Association/makefootballaccessible

Alleyn’s School:

Alleyn’s School is a leading HMC co-educational school for children aged 4-18, nestled in the creative heart of south London with a cherished history dating back to their founding by Edward Alleyn in 1619. 

Alleyn’s sport inspires and challenges every pupil to embrace their passions and achieve beyond what they thought possible, to be all they can be.

Alleyn’s and Girls United partnership: The partnership has led to the creation of a local hub for female football and has certainly helped to fuel the growth and popularity of the sport among girls locally. There have been several events within the community, including a club signing-on night for girls looking to join Girls United, held at Alleyn’s sports pavilion. Girls United and Alleyn’s pupils also recently visited St George’s Park to see the Lionesses in training, which proved to be a memorable and inspiring experience for all involved.

¡Girls United colabora con FIFA Foundation para inaugurar su segunda sede en Ciudad de México!

¡Girls United es la única organización en México elegida para formar parte del FIFA Foundation Community Programme! Esto hizo posible que el pasado 22 de junio se inaugurara Chicas Unidas Meyehualco, que beneficiará a cientos de niñas y familias de Iztapalapa, CDMX!

EXPANDIENDO EL IMPACTO

La apertura de esta nueva locación cimienta el impacto positivo que se ha logrado en Ciudad de México. En febrero del año 2023, Chicas Unidas llegó a la CDMX con la misión de brindar a más niñas la oportunidad de practicar fútbol y desarrollar su potencial a través del deporte. Desde entonces, más de 200 niñas han participado en los programas, eventos y activaciones, en donde Chicas Unidas ha llegado a cerrar la brecha de acceso al deporte para las niñas, así como se ha establecido como un espacio seguro en una de las zonas más vulnerables para las niñas y mujeres en México.

El evento de inauguración estuvo lleno de alegría y entusiasmo, en el que un grupo 35 niñas de nuevo ingreso, y 10 jugadoras de Chicas Unidas Olini, celebraron la apertura del programa Juega Como Niña Meyehualco, en el que aprenderán habilidades futbolísticas, fortalecerán su autoestima, desarrollarán su liderazgo y construirán relaciones positivas con otras niñas. Igualmente contamos con la presencia de aliadxs valiosas para la implementación del programa: Javier Peralta, Subdirector de Deportes de la Alcaldía de Iztapalapa, Sara Ortíz, Directora de Marketing de Soccer Media Solutions, Yolanda Sosa, presidenta de Fundación Sin Fronteras Pro Mujer y Deporte (FUMUDE) y Daniela Paulin, portera de la Selección Mexicana de playa, quien incluso defendió la portería en los emocionantes penales inaugurales.

generamos inclusión y equidad

Como parte de las actividades del día se invitó a dos niñas a tomar el micrófono. Fati, de 9 años, quien acaba de integrarse al programa, y quien se desplaza de Villa Coapa a Meyehualco para poder formar parte de un espacio exclusivo para niñas, compartió que su mamá encontró el programa después de que ella llegara llorando a su casa ya que su entrenador de futbol nunca la elegía para participar en los partidos a pesar de su esfuerzo.

María, jugadora de Chicas Unidas Olini desde hace cerca de 18 meses, nos compartió el impacto que ha tenido el programa en su vida:

"A pesar de todo había un lugar donde yo podía jugar fútbol, lo encontré aquí en Girls United. Me ha ayudado mucho socialmente y les agradezco todo su apoyo."

Con siete años de experiencia y presencia en Ciudad de México, Quintana Roo y Londres, hemos impactado a más de 6,500 niñas mexicanas.

¡Únete a la comunidad Girls United!

Invitamos a todas las niñas y adolescentes de Iztapalapa a unirse a nuestros programas y descubrir el poder transformador del fútbol. Las niñas y adolescentes entre 6 y 17 años de edad pueden participar en las prácticas que se llevan a cabo los miércoles y viernes de 4:00 a 6:00 pm.

¡Juntas, podemos cambiar el mundo a través del fútbol!

Conmemorando el Día Internacional de la Mujer y 7° Aniversario de Girls United

Este marzo conmemoramos el Día Internacional de la Mujer, y celebramos nuestro 7o aniversario dejando los tachos de lado para llevar el documental Copa 71 a la gran pantalla y así visibilizar la historia de la Copa Mundial femenil no oficial, en México 1971. Un torneo con asistencia histórica que fue borrado de la historia. Esta peli nos impulsa a redoblar esfuerzos para seguir nuestra misión para que el mundo jamás vuelva a ignorar a todas las niñas, mujeres, coaches y afición que amamos el futbol femenil. Tenemos la mejor solución, ¡impulsar la pasión desde la raíz: el futbol base! Porque el futbol debe ser para todas.  

¡Echemos un vistazo a todo lo que sucedió este mes, desde el Cine Tonalá hasta Iztapalapa y Quintana Roo!

“Copa71” - Pre-estreno en Cine Tonalá, CDMX

Girls United fue anfitrión de un pre-estreno privado del documental "Copa71" en el Cine Tonalá, CDMX. Este documental, producido por destacadas figuras del deporte como Alex Morgan, Serena y Venus Williams, arroja luz sobre el Mundial Femenil de México 1971, en donde más de 100 mil personas vieron la final entre México y Dinamarca. Lo que pudo ser el arranque para la inversión en el futbol femenil, se volvió simplemente una anécdota que nos conmovió profundamente al ver a mujeres probar su sueño para después verlo desaparecer. 

Empresarixs, atletas y aliadxs nos acompañaron en este evento para conversar sobre la historia del futbol femenil, sus retos actuales, y cómo asegurarnos que la inversión y desarrollo pongan foco en lo más importante: que las niñas sepan que sus sueños son valiosos y que hay una enorme comunidad que las respalda para encontrar su lugar dentro y fuera de la cancha.

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Torneo Girls United Iztapalapa, CDMX

Más de 100 jugadoras de entre 7 y 15 años se reunieron para participar en el 2do Torneo Girls United en Iztapalapa, un evento anual que creamos con apoyo de la iniciativa Jugamos Juntas. Este torneo visibilizó lo raro que siguen siendo los torneos seguros e inclusivos para que las niñas compitan y compartan su pasión por el futbol. ¡Algunas niñas no podían creer que los trofeos tenían figuras de mujeres futbolistas!

Durante más de cinco horas, la unidad deportiva Utopía Olini se llenó de sonrisas e inspiración. Las jugadoras, junto con sus familias, nos llenaron de energía para seguir siendo pioneras en la realización de estos torneos en México para crear equidad en el futbol.

“Las chicas están súper emocionadas. Nunca habíamos podido jugar contra un equipo de chicas. Tener este torneo es una gran oportunidad”

— Lizbeth, entrenadora de Atlético Junior Nezahualcóyotl

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Torneo Femenil Sub-12 Chetumal, Quintana Roo

El equipo de Chicas Unidas Quintana Roo, en colaboración con la escuela IMEE CAMPESTREE, organizó el Torneo Femenil Sub-12. Más de 50 jugadoras provenientes de distintas ciudades se dieron cita para demostrar que hay tanto talento en el sureste de México como en la capital del país.

Desde las 9 de la mañana y a lo largo del día, se disputaron seis emocionantes partidos en el formato de fútbol 8. El evento contó con un gran ambiente futbolístico y la asistencia de aproximadamente 300 personas, entre padres, familiares y amigos de las jugadoras.

“Mis niñas están super contentas, ya que es la primera vez que salen de Isla Mujeres y es una experiencia nueva para ellas y para mí como profesor.”

— Brandon Díaz, entrenador de Club Ateneas

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Marzo fue una celebración de la fuerza, la valentía y el talento de las niñas y mujeres en el fútbol. En Girls United, estamos comprometidas a seguir brindando oportunidades para que las niñas crezcan y se desarrollen en un ambiente inclusivo y seguro. ¡Gracias a todxs lxs que se unieron para hacer de nuestro 7mo aniversario un éxito!

Si quieres conocer más sobre nuestras próximas actividades y cómo puedes ser parte de nuestra comunidad, ¡no dudes en contactarnos y seguirnos en nuestras redes sociales!

¡Por la equidad dentro y fuera de la cancha!

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Fotos por 11Lgnds
11Lgnds es una productora de contenido audiovisual apasionada por el fútbol femenil. Han capturado los momentos que han escrito la historia del fútbol femenil en México.

Her Game Too Match Day Experience: Girls United Partners with Charlton Athletic Women FC

In a move aimed at empowering girls through football, Girls United and Charlton Athletic Women FC are set to create an inspiring match day experience for Her Game Too and International Women’s Campaigns. On Sunday, March 31, 2024, Girls United FA, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering empowerment among girls through football, will attend the fixture between Charlton Athletic Women FC and Birmingham City.

The day promises to be a celebration for the local community of South East London, offering them the chance to be inspired by Charlton Athletic Women FC both on and off the pitch. From pre-match experiences like mascots to post-match meet and greets with the players, it's shaping up to be a unique experience for girls and young women from Girls United.

Reflecting on the partnership, Abigail Ingram, Girls United London manager, shared her excitement: “Having a local partnership with clubs like Charlton Athletic Women FC only enhances the opportunities for our Girls United community. The matchday experience is especially thrilling as it will allow our players to feel inspired and witness how the local community can visibly connect with players, see the on-pitch pathway, and help us build the next generation of fans. We are eagerly anticipating bringing our community into a professional space such as The Valley, with on-pitch experiences like mascots and guard of honor. It's going to be amazing to see representation of the local community come together with WSL Championship players and management.”

Louise McGing, Charlton Women FC’s General Manager, expressed her delight at the partnership: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Girls United, to not only provide a platform to showcase the fantastic work that they do within the local community but also inspire their players through the personalised experiences we offer on our match days. The professional game relies on the incredible work that happens at grassroots level within clubs such as Girls United. And our matchday experiences are just one way we as a professional club can support their efforts, exposing their players to the professional pathway both on and off the pitch and supporting a sustainable future overall for our sport. Alongside themed football events, Girls United were a perfect fit to join us and be a part of this month's celebrations, and we hope to partner with them again in the near future.”

The partnership between Girls United and Charlton Athletic Women FC signifies a significant step forward in promoting gender equality and empowerment within football. Through collaborative efforts like these, the footballing community can continue to inspire, empower, and celebrate the involvement of women and girls in the beautiful game.

Girls United and Alleyn’s School Collaborate for Empowering International Women’s Day Youth Football Festival

Girls United and Alleyn’s School recently teamed up to host a remarkable International Women’s Day Youth Football Festival, bringing together over 160 young girls for a day filled with celebration and empowerment. The event, held in the spirit of fostering camaraderie and highlighting the achievements of female athletes, proved to be a resounding success.

The festival kicked off with an energetic "Play Like a Girl" session, emphasizing the importance of confidence both on and off the pitch. Participants engaged in drills and activities aimed at building self-assurance, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

A highlight of the festival was the U13s tournament, where girls had the opportunity to showcase their skills while competing in a supportive and inclusive environment. The tournament not only promoted healthy competition but also fostered friendships among participants, as they cheered each other on and celebrated each other’s successes.

The presence of renowned role model Carly Telford added an extra layer of inspiration to the event. Telford, a distinguished figure in women’s football, shared her experiences and encouraged young athletes to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

The event partners, including Street Games, Active Communities, and Wallace Wilson-Haffenden Memorial, played a crucial role in making the festival a success. Their support and collaboration ensured that participants had access to resources and opportunities to thrive both on and off the field.

Girls United coaches and staff, Volunteers from Nike, and volunteers from Alleyn's School contributed their time and expertise to the event, working tirelessly to ensure its smooth operation. Their dedication and commitment to empowering young female athletes were greatly appreciated by all involved, and their collective efforts were instrumental in creating a positive and inclusive environment for participants to learn, grow, and succeed.

Prizes generously provided by Kitlocker added an extra element of excitement to the festival, motivating participants to showcase their best performances and rewarding their hard work and dedication.

In conclusion, the International Women’s Day Youth Football Festival, hosted by Girls United and Alleyn’s School, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and empowerment in sports.

304 players take part in the UK’s biggest women’s grassroots football tournament for International Women’s Day 2024

On Saturday 9 March, at Powerleague Mill Hill in North London, Girls United held the sixth edition of their annual International Women’s Day tournament which with over 300 participants, became the UK’s largest grassroots women’s tournament. The event helped to raise £10,000 for the next generation of women and girls in football through Girls United’s year round programmes in London and Mexico.

The tournament, sponsored by Sony’s Sports Businesses, Hawk-Eye Innovations, Pulselive & Beyond Sports for the third year running, was designed to celebrate women in football and to support Girls United’s grassroots programmes that provide girls with opportunities to succeed on and off the pitch.

Powerleague, the official venue sponsors, hosted the event at their Mill Hill facilities in North London, with 42 teams split across 3 categories based on level of experience ranging from complete beginners to semi-professional players.

The event was hosted by football broadcaster and journalist, Flo Lloyd-Hughes, who also hosts women’s football podcast Counter Pressed and features on Ian Wright’s podcast, Wrighty’s House. 

Following opening speeches, matches were quickly underway with grassroots teams coming together from across London to play in 89 games across 6 pitches, each sponsored and named after supporting organisations: Hawk-Eye Innovations, Pulselive, Beyond Sports, The Sports Effect, Minute Media and 90Min.

Common Goal were also present on the day alongside partners Minute Media and 90min, as sponsors of the tournament’s intermediate category, with teams competing to win the Common Goal Cup.
Off pitch activities included a VAR experience provided by Sony’s Sport Businesses which gave participants a unique insight into the process of VAR decisions and the technology involved. Raffle tickets were also sold throughout the day with over 30 prizes up for grabs including official Lioness merchandise provided by Nike London and signed boots from Girls United’s Global Ambassador and Real Madrid & Scotland star, Caroline Weir. 

As games came to a close, Lush Lyfe, Football Beyond Borders and Rainbow Rebels were crowned as winners of their respective categories and presented with their prizes which included tickets to Chelsea WFC and Baller FC’s exclusive pre-match event at Stamford Bridge for the UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter Final return leg against Ajax, as well as the opportunity to design a brand new Nike kit provided by event partners Kitlocker.
Category runners-up, Chirps FC, Baesianz FC and Nets FC each received tickets to newly released COPA 71 provided by Dogwoof.
Josh Emerson, Girls United Global Marketing Manager, said: “We’re so proud of what this tournament has come to represent for the London grassroots community, with teams from across the capital and beyond seeing this as the perfect way to show their support for the next generation of girls and women in football.

“Not only is this event an important moment for us to raise necessary funds to continue to deliver our programmes, and we’re incredibly grateful to have been able to reach our target of £10,000 this year, but it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness and shine a light on the work that needs to be done at grassroots level.

“Thankfully we’ve been able to count on organisations such as Sony’s Sport Businesses and Powerleague, whose commitment to the women’s game and its growth have enabled this event to grow year on year, with more teams, more players and ultimately more impact. I’m personally excited to continue to work with our partners to explore how we can bridge the gap between the elite level of the game and the communities in which we work.” 

Masuma Rahman-Sheikh, Senior Project Manager and ED&I Ambassador at Pulselive, commented: “We are thrilled with the success of the tournament and the incredible turnout it achieved.

“This tournament was a powerful celebration of diversity and inclusion, in line with one of our key pillars of being an “Employee First” organisation. We look forward to continuing to support female athletes and inspiring the next generation to break barriers in football.

“Thank you to Girls United for their partnership and continuous commitment to the women’s game.”

Christian Rose, CEO for Powerleague added: ‘’It was a pleasure to support Girls United on their IWD 2024 tournament for the third consecutive year. We are committed tosupporting the growth of the women’s game by providing safe and accessible spaces for women and girls of all ages, abilities and backgrounds’’

The annual International Women’s Day tournament is one of several celebrations that took place across Girls United’s two locations of London and Mexico. 

On Saturday 2 March, 160 females took part in an International Women’s Day Youth Festival in partnership with Alleyn’s School in Dulwich, London. Players had the opportunity to take part in a “Play Like a Girl” drop in session or an U13 tournament. Former England and Chelsea goalkeeper, Carly Telford, in attendance to meet the players and talk about the importance of having spaces available for girls to be active and play football. 

On the same day, across the Atlantic in Mexico City, over 100 players took part in another Girls United International Women’s Day youth tournament with 6 teams from across the capital invited to take part and illustrate the demand for more opportunities for girls in football. 

Throughout the month, girls attending partner schools in South London will enjoy active workshops aimed at redefining female role models through our ‘Love The Game’ programme powered by Nike. 

Wednesday 8 March, International Women’s Day itself, also marked Girls United’s 7th Anniversary. Since launching in 2017, over 150 Girls United coaches have provided 6,000+ hours of sessions to approximately 5,000 participants in London and Mexico.

Girls United’s International Women’s Day tournament set to be biggest women’s grassroots tournament in the UK

Girls United are pleased to announce that their annual International Women’s Day tournament will be sponsored by Hawk-Eye Innovations, Beyond Sports & Pulselive of Sony’s Sports Businesses. Powerleague, the official venue sponsors, will host the event at their Mill Hill Club in North London.

Taking place on Saturday 9 March, Girls United’s IWD tournament is an annual fundraiser designed to celebrate women in football and to support the nonprofit's mission of providing opportunities and pathways for girls and young women in football both on and off the pitch.

With 42 teams signed up to take part in the event, Girls United are expecting over 300 players onsite from across London’s adult footballing community. Participants will come together to inspire and support the next generation of female footballers whilst competing for exciting prizes provided by event partners Kitlocker, Minute Media and Common Goal.

As main sponsors of the tournament, Hawk-Eye Innovations, Beyond Sports & Pulselive have not only provided essential funding ahead of the celebration, but have also committed to supporting event proceedings with volunteers on the day.

Romina Calatayud, Girls United Founder & CEO, said: “We’re all very excited to be coming together to celebrate our 6th International Women’s Day tournament.”

“The tournament gets bigger and better each year and it’s fantastic to be able to count on the continued support of great organisations such as Hawk-Eye, Beyond Sports Pulselive and Powerleague, who have all sponsored the past 3 editions.”

“International Women’s Day has become an important checkpoint for us, where we can reflect on our growth alongside that of female football as a whole. This year, we’re excited to be holding youth tournaments in London and Mexico alongside this headline event and therefore illustrate the impact that can be achieved by supporting us in our mission.”

Tony Page, Managing Director, Football at Hawk-Eye Innovations commented: “We are excited to be part of Girls United’s IWD Tournament for a third year running. Having the opportunity to sponsor the tournament and celebrate women’s football at a grassroots level is extremely important for Sony’s Sports Businesses.”

“Girls United is a fantastic charity and do a great job inspiring young women to participate in the game, and that is a mission that we are proud to be supporting for yet another year.”

Christian Rose, CEO at Powerleague, added: ‘’We’re delighted to be partnering up with Girls United for the third year running and supporting this incredible event. 42 teams coming together to celebrate the beautiful game, and supporting the next generation, is fantastic to see. Good luck to all teams taking part.’’

The annual International Women’s Day 5-a-side tournament is one of several celebrations taking place across Girls United’s two locations of London and Mexico.

On Saturday 2 March, over 200 girls will take part in the IWD Youth Festival in Dulwich organised by Girls United in partnership with Alleyn’s School.

Throughout the month, girls attending partner schools in South London will be taking part in active workshops aimed at redefining female role models through our ‘Love The Game x Nike’ programme.

Finally, across the Atlantic, a youth tournament will be taking place in Mexico City, bringing together players from a number of grassroots clubs based in the Mexican capital.

Friday 8 March, InternaEonal Women’s Day itself, also marks Girls United’s 7th Anniversary.

More information on the wider InternaEonal Women’s Day celebrations will be shared across

the Girls United social media accounts and website over the coming weeks.

Girls United now featured on Edinburgh University Online Course

Girls United are delighted to announce that we now feature as a case study on Edinburgh University Online Course: Football - More than a Game.

Explore the world of football including: the business of football; the future of football; the financing of football; football in the community, great football rivalries ; football data; the impact of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup , the Homeless World Cup and how football is helping communities around the world, sometimes in the most challenging of circumstances. Governments are slowly beginning to grasp the scale, reach and connectivity that football provides and how to use it.

Get ahead of the game and take a look behind the scenes look at the world of football today.

Sign up to take part in the six-week course on football and its role in the world.

Future Learn: https://edin.ac/47Glc4I
Coursera: https://edin.ac/47Glc4I 

Girls United and Footy Addicts launch inclusive recreational football session for adults in South London

Girls United have teamed up with Footy Addicts to make football more accessible for women and non-binary players in South London. This partnership aims to provide more opportunities for adults to enjoy recreational football while supporting the next generation.

Champions of Gender Equality in Football

Founded in 2017, Girls United has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality in football. Operating in South London and Mexico, the club focuses on empowering girls and young women aged 5 to 18 through the sport. With over 4500 players in 32 locations, Girls United not only offers football training but also nurtures leadership qualities and challenges societal stereotypes, ensuring that their impact extends beyond the field.

Making Casual Football Truly Inclusive

Since 2013, Footy Addicts has transformed the way casual football players connect and play, by simplifying finding and organising local football games, turning empty pitches into buzzing football hubs and making the sport accessible to everyone. In 2023, their community grew to 215,000 registered players creating over 50,000 opportunities to play inclusive football every month. Footy Addict games have always been co-ed and open to players of all abilities. Literally, everyone 16+ is welcome.

What's the Goal?

The partnership between Girls United and Footy Addicts is fuelled by shared objectives.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility in football: Central to this partnership is the goal to make football even more accessible. So, it's a chance to create space where underrepresented groups feel welcome to play.

• Community Building: We want to foster a sense of community, where participants not only play together but also get to know each other by meeting regularly.

• All about that healthy life: We all know running around the pitch is a solid way to stay in shape, but it's the laughs, the saves, the near misses, and the ‘what a ball!’ moments that really boost our moods. Most importantly, we want everyone to enjoy the game and keep the good energy that comes with it.

A Bright Future for Inclusive Football

The partnership kicks off with weekly casual football games at JAGS Sports Club in Dulwich, welcoming women and non-binary players of all skill levels, especially beginners. These sessions, held every Thursday from 7-8 PM, are an opportunity to connect and grow an inclusive football community. 

The initiative extends beyond the pitch, with plans to create more games and raise funds to support the growth of women's football while nurturing the next generation of female players.

‘The Footy Addicts community is really proud to collaborate with Girls United to build happier, healthier, and more active communities. Our partnership with Girls United underscores our commitment to providing more opportunities for not only adults but also for our youth to stay active. Over the past years, Girls United has been doing an amazing job in empowering young women, which aligns perfectly with the values and mission of Footy Addicts.’ - Konstantinos Gkortsilas, Founder of Footy Addicts

Girls United Global Marketing & Comms Manager, Josh Emerson added: "We're very excited to be working with Footy Addicts who share in our values of providing more opportunities to football for women and non-binary players. With the majority of our work focusing on girls and young adults, we're looking forward to growing our South London community to include adult players and lean on Footy Addicts expertise in this area to encourage more people to give football a go in a relaxed and inclusive environment!" 

Danielle Carter becomes Girls United London Ambassador

As 2023 comes to a close, we’re delighted to announce Danielle Carter, current London City Lionesses striker and former England international, as Ambassador of our London activities!

In this capacity, Danielle will serve as role model for all of our participants including girls and young women from inner city communities, where improved access to football is urgently needed. 

Danielle has long been an advocate for the wider women’s game and for the need for more opportunities to be made available to the next generation of players, particularly inner city girls and young women. Working with global movement, Common Goal, Danielle identified Girls United as the perfect organisation to support in doing just that and continuing to give back to the London community. 

Growing up in East London, Danielle began her footballing journey at the Leyton Orient centre of excellence where her talent earned her a call up to the England U17s squad aged only 14, marking her debut with a hattrick, a feat she would replicate seven years later with another hattrick against Estonia on her full England debut in 2015.

In 2009, whilst still in sixth form in Romford, Danielle realised a childhood dream by joining Arsenal Women. From there her career went from strength to strength, helping the North London Club to secure the inaugural Women’s Super League title in 2010/11, scoring in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and in a 1-0 FA Cup Final win over Chelsea in 2016.

After recovering from two serious ACL injuries, Danielle joined Reading in 2020 and became the first player that Brighton ever paid a fee for when she joined the Seagulls the following year. In 2023, Danielle returned to the capital joining London City Lionesses who compete in the Women’s Championship and who on Sunday came back from 3-0 down away to London rivals Watford to draw 3-3. 

Last week we welcomed Danielle to a U16 training session at Alleyn’s school in South London, where she spent time with our players and answered questions that they had about her journey, her Arsenal days and playing for England. 

During this visit Danielle also took part in a short interview with Romina in which she said: “I’m happy to be an ambassador for Girls United and can’t wait to support the great work you have been doing in empowering young women both in London and Mexico.

“Shining light on the work organisations like Girls United do is something I’m passionate about, as I hope we can collectively provide a platform and forum for inner city communities to participate and thrive in the game we love!”

Also present at the U16s session, our Founder & CEO, Romina Calatayud, added: “Danielle is the perfect role model for our players across each of our London programmes. Having enjoyed an incredible career so far, but more importantly having grown up in London herself, Danielle knows all too well the kind of barriers that can stand between a player and regular opportunities to play.

“We’re very excited to work with Danielle and be the bridge between the top of the women’s game and our grassroots programmes. With so much of our work being focused on improving access and representation, particularly for participants from inner city communities, having the support of such a strong leader in Danielle will make such a big difference.”

This announcement comes as one of the final highlights of the Girls United Advent Calendar 2023, the first of its kind and an opportunity for us to look back at some of the key moments of the journey so far. 

With over 1,000 participants engaged in South London over the course of the last 12 months, we have measured a sharp increase in participation levels following the incredible Lioness success at the European Championships in 2022 and more recently at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.

Working closely with Danielle and Common Goal, we are committed to levelling the playing field and pushing for increased access to football for girls and young women, in schools, local communities and performance pathways.

For more information about Danielle’s involvement or the wider Ambassador programme, please contact Josh@girlsunitedfa.org

Former England & Arsenal captain Rachel Yankey attends 5 year anniversary event

On Saturday 11 November 2023, at Copeland Social in Peckham, we celebrated five years of providing accessible football sessions to girls and young women and were joined by former professional player and England International, Rachel Yankey, who took part in a short panel discussion alongside players and coaches from the Girls United community.

Five years on and less than a mile away from Peckham Rye Park where our Founder & CEO Romina Calatayud delivered the first Girls United London session to a handful of players, we brought our community of players, parents, coaches and staff together to celebrate this milestone. 

With over 1,000 participants engaged over the course of the last 12 months, our London project has continued to grow and measured a sharp increase in participation levels following the incredible Lioness success at the European Championships in 2022 and more recently at the Women’s World Cup in 2023. 

This event sought to highlight the individuals that have marked the Girls United London journey through a photographic portrait series captured and curated by part-time Girls United coach and professional photographer Lucien Phoenix. 

In addition to this exhibition, two panel discussions were mediated by guest-host, professional presenter and television personality Priscilla Anyabu. The first of these exploring the positive impact that football can have on a young person’s life on and off the pitch, involving U14 participants Kenza, Sasha and Lolly.

A second panel discussion took a deep dive into the importance of grassroots organisations and the role that they can play in creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people and the wider community. Rachel Yankey drew upon her personal experiences and emphasised the need for more barriers to be broken down across the board to ensure that the future of women’s football is as diverse and inclusive as possible. 

As the panel discussions came to a close, attendees were invited to continue to enjoy the portrait exhibition on display as well as the refreshments provided by Copeland Social, with a final flurry of excitement as exclusive items were auctioned including a match worn shirt from Australia International and Ballon d’or nominee Hayley Raso and a pair of boots from fellow Real Madrid star and Girls United Global Ambassador, Caroline Weir. 

Speaking at the event, Romina Calatayud said: “This is a very special moment both on a personal level and for the whole Girls United family. It has been a real privilege to see our session delivery grow from one session to over 40 a week and to have had a hand in creating a truly unique community of players, coaches, supporters and parents all focused on providing more opportunities for girls and young women on and off the pitch”

“I am very grateful to everyone that has supported us along the way, including incredible role models like Rachel Yankey and organisations such as Nike who have been instrumental in supporting our growth through our Love the Game partnership as well as building a bridge between the very top of the sport and the grassroots.”