The charity launches its brand-new Girls Strategy with fascinating panel event, hosting an exclusive screening of their new documentary trailer

Monday 30th September: Ahead of the 24/25 WSL season, Bloomsbury Football hosted an event in partnership with Gate One Consulting to launch its overarching Girls’ Strategy at Pancras Square, London. The grassroots football charity announced its ambitious commitment to positively impact 10,000 young girls through the power of football by 2028.

Bloomsbury Football hosted two panels which explored the participatory barriers that young girls and women encounter within football. Attendees listened attentively to panellists including Khalida Popal (Director of Girl Power Organisation), Anouk Denton (West Ham United Player and U23 Lioness) and Ryhanna Parara (Women’s Football Content Creator), discussing their personal experiences in the space, ways that brands can champion womens’ football, followed by an overview of the charity’s target to increase the number of girls attending their programmes.

In addition, Bloomsbury Football showcased their soon-to-be-released documentary ‘Show Up’, launching early next year, which tackles stereotypes in Girls Football and aims to get girls to show up and play. Following the Lionesses’ victory at UEFA EURO 2022, the documentary follows Bloomsbury players across two years and includes interviews with women’s football talent.

With a reported 61% of teen girls feeling judged when they play sports and 38% not feeling safe when exercising outside, the charity has outlined organisation-wide solutions to prevent these barriers to participation. These include:

• Period products available at all sessions

• Sports bra education and accessibility

• Marketing to all girls, ensuring that girls of all abilities feel welcome

• Coaches educated in girls-specific issues, e.g. periods & puberty

• Partnering with role models in the women’s game

Since Bloomsbury Football was founded in 2018, the charity has been committed to creating an engaging and inclusive environment in all their Girls Programmes. Currently working with 1,500 girls every week across the capital, Bloomsbury Football offers young girls invaluable services during their weekly sessions led by female coaches.

Founder and CEO of Bloomsbury Football, Charlie Hyman commented: “The launch of the Girls’ Strategy was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all we’ve accomplished in making football more accessible for young girls, while also looking ahead and setting ambitious goals for the future.

The evening was filled with valuable insights and meaningful discussions, fostering a real sense of belief that, together, we can enhance the football experience for young girls and ensure Bloomsbury Football continues to lead the way in breaking down participation barriers.”

For further information on Bloomsbury Football, visit https://bloomsburyfootball.com.