A huge well done to Ebony Benjamin, Yolanda Smith, Mika Rowe, Aimee Foster, Ellie-Jay Kendall, Lauren Nicholson, Melissa Goodwin. After qualifying at the regional finals the week before, the girls won the right to play in the Street Games national finals down at St. Georges park.
As part of the prize Street games paid for the girls and 2 staff to stay at the Hilton that is based on site. Several girls attended a tour around the England team training facilities and in the evening they received a very posh 3 course meal. Ex England Manager Graham Taylor did a question and answer session and each team was given a kit for the tournament on the following day.
The tournament was well organised and the standard of football was very high. Our team was made up of young people who have accessed e:merge in the communities we work in and they were up against established girls teams from around the country. This did not dampen their spirits they fought on till the very last game and even managed to draw 1 game which was a fantastic achievement. Because of the great attitude shown by our girls the referees awarded them with the well-deserved Fair play award which our girls were thrilled with.
It was great to do something with girls in a formal sporting context as we seek to raise aspiration and hope through these memorable experiences. Nationally girls participation in sport is on the national decline but with partner organisations such as Street Games we are working hard to reverse this trend.
“Loved the experience, hopefully we get to come back here again, we will train and do better next year”
Aimee Foster (one of the team)
If you are interested in getting more involved with sport and don’t know how then we have loads happening for you or can signpost you to a local team.
Thanks
Kevin Dunnet
Sports Team Leader