The Unlocking Potential programme recently hosted a special coaching event at Leeds Beckett University in celebration of International Women’s Day.
More than 100 girls from Beeston Primary School took part in the event, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to expanding sporting opportunities for young girls across the city.
The session featured a variety of activities, including circuits and mini-tournaments, designed to encourage participation and skill development. Alongside the coaching, attendees received commemorative t-shirts and exclusive 49ers-branded gifts.
“We had a fantastic, high energy and fun event with over 100 girls from Beeston Primary School learning to play NFL Flag Football and having a brilliant day,” Frances Milner, the Leeds United Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, told LUTV.
“We know sport has an incredible power to transform the lives of women, giving them skills and confidence and a sense of belonging. We see this every week with the thousands of girls we work with at the Leeds United Foundation, and we saw it very powerfully at today’s event. I want to say a massive thank you to Leeds Beckett University and the pupils and teachers of Beeston Primary School.”
Also in attendance at the event was Leeds United Women player Bridie Hannon, who was keen to get involved in the activities and took the time to speak with the girls about sport and answer any questions they might have had.
Alongside the defender, Jonathan Marchant, Physical Education Lead at Beeston Primary School, was thrilled with how the day unfolded, adding:
“The event was a huge success. It gave girls an opportunity to take part in a variety of different activities which wouldn’t usually be the norm for them. All of the girls were fully engaged and had a huge smile on their face throughout the whole day.
“The Unlocking Potential programme continues to allow children a chance to succeed and offers them opportunities which wouldn’t usually be there for them. All of our girls came away from the event having had such an amazing day and eager to continue their journey on the programme.”
The fun-filled day was not only a memorable one for the children, but put a smile on the face of everyone that attended according to Peter Mackreth, Dean of Carnegie School of Sport, who explained the importance of organisations coming together in such a way to benefit the community.
“The opportunity for primary school children to participate in NFL American Flag Football workshops builds on Leeds United Foundation’s strong reputation for supporting education and sport opportunities for all, across the city and region. We were delighted to welcome them and 100 primary school children this week to our Headingley Campus.”
More about the Unlocking Potential programme can be found here. The programme is delivered by the Leeds United Foundation and NFL Foundation UK.
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds United
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