National recognition for local girls football development

The Football Association has recognised the efforts of local Great Academy Ashton staff member, Emma Toone, and her work to engage more girls with football.

Emma, who is the Strategic Lead for Girls football in Tameside, has been working in sport for quite a number of years and in a project funded by Barclays, has been aiming to increase the number of girls accessing football in schools and becoming involved in football with officiating or coaching.

The awards took place in September at St Georges Park and Emma was given her award by TV presenter Clare Balding.

The award was specifically for the ‘Game Changer’ scheme that Emma has developed in the borough for primary & secondary school children to
be trained up in supporting more opportunities for girls to access football within school.

Speaking on the scheme, Emma said: “I have developed the Game Changer scheme in primarys to encourage more girls to become involved with the development of football within schools- increasing the number of girls accessing curriculum football, after school clubs & competition.

These girls are role models to others and can share their passion for football to support the inspiration created by the Lionesses’ momentum and take this opportunity to get more girls into sport in our schools.”

80 Primary & Secondary ‘Game Changers’ have just been trained up at Great Academy Ashton from 40 local schools this week.

Emma calls these pupils her ‘team’ and expects that they will have a major impact on schools choices for sport & opportunity.

David Waugh, the Great Academy Ashton Principal, said: “Emma Toone has truly metamorphosised the life chances of so many young people through her work. She is a passionate advocate for all participation and using sport as a driver for tackling inequality of access. As a school, Great Academy Ashton has been at the forefront of ensuring equal access for girls within football and we are so very proud to work with Emma in ensuring her work has the greatest positive impact.”

For more information on girls football or the Game Changers programme please contact Emma: Emma.toone@gaa.org.uk