Off the back of the Lionesses’ great success at the European Championships in the Summer at Wembley, Scott Primary School has been working with their young students to become active in the world of football.
Football has become the school’s most popular after-school activity among girls from years three to six at Scott Primary.
While the England side’s success at the Euros certainly played a part, the school have worked as a feeder school to the likes of Bedford Ladies for a number of years and has the opportunity to train with the team twice a week.
The girls have even had the opportunity to meet coaches from last season’s Women’s Super League runners-up, Arsenal Ladies and were also given 25 free tickets to the 2019 FA Cup Final, where Manchester City beat West Ham 3-0.
District Champions
The success of the school, along with years of dedicated training aimed specifically towards the Girls has resulted in the school winning the Year Five and Six District Football Championships, while the third and fourth years enjoyed tournaments of their own.
The move has been a popular one for children. Violet Alison, aged 9, scored “about eleven goals” during the sessions and took part as she wanted to know how to play football.
She said everyone should have a go, “You should do it, it helps you be more active and it’s lots of fun,” she said.
Parents have been just as supportive of the school promoting girls’ football. One comment on the school’s Instagram page read, “we love how much the school promote girls’ football! My daughter absolutely loves it because of the school”.
The school hope to build on their success, with PE teacher Mr Allen spearheading the effort to increase participation in girls’ football.
Headteacher of Scott Primary, Anita Barker was highly complimentary of the girls and of PE Teacher, Mr Allen. “Here at Scott Primary School, we have always had a strong focus on PE,” she said.
“We are very passionate about the benefits that activity can bring for both physical and mental health. It has a positive impact in all areas of life as it fosters respect, fairness, and team-building skills.
“Thanks to the success of the Lionesses we are proud to highlight the success and opportunities of our Scott Primary Girls.
“Thankfully our PE specialist Mr Allen is very proactive not only with PE lessons but with organising so many extra-curricular activities and fixtures that all our children can enjoy.”
Whatever the weather, the girls of Scott Primary will hope to continue their achievements as they make their way through their education, and who knows? We may see a future Beth Mead or Mary Earps come from Scott Primary in the future.
