#LetGirlsPlay

Francesca in Form 6 conducted football skills training with the children in Reception, Form 1 and Form 2 as part of the 'Let Girls Play' initiative. Francesca had prepared her lesson plans really well and delivered each session with such enthusiasm, she was a real inspiration to the younger children. They responded superbly to her instruction, feedback and praise - in fact, they were so engaged and having so much fun in her sessions that they didn't even notice how hard it was raining!

Francesca hopes to inspire more girls at Hilden Oaks to play football both in and out of school. She believes it should be an inclusive sport with no gender differentiation. Francesca started playing football when she was five years old on the playground watching the boys play and wanted to join in. She plucked up courage and has never looked back since. Francesca now plays in goal for the school U11 team, District and East Peckham Juniors.

Francesca has been nominated for a 'Let Girls Play' award by Hilden Oaks PE teacher, Miss Parker who says "I'm so glad that football is more accessible for girls now, compared to when I was growing up. Francesca is helping to keep that going. She is a wonderful ambassador for girls' football and thoroughly deserves to be recognised. More girls are choosing to play football at break and lunchtimes. More girls are opting to choose football than ever before, as their chosen sport for games lessons."

We definitely think Francesca has a future career in football.