Emily’s Journey
Emily has been attending Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme (SWFCCP) sessions since the age of nine. Over the years, she has taken part in a wide range of opportunities, including holiday camps, Mini Owls, Wildcats, Girls’ Development Centres and Premier League Kicks.
When Emily first attended a session at the age of nine, she was new to football and was often one of very few girls taking part. However, it quickly became clear that she had a real passion and potential for the game. Through regular participation in girls-only sessions and the encouragement of SWFCCP coaches, Emily’s confidence continued to grow.
Reflecting on the impact the sessions have had on her, Emily said: “The football sessions have helped my confidence massively, giving me skills of making friends and working in a group which have helped me through school, football and sports leading.” She particularly enjoys the challenge of the sessions, playing in matches and the friendships she has made along the way.
A key influence throughout Emily’s journey has been SWFCCP coach Millie Kenyon, who encouraged her to attend a Wildcats session at Thorncliffe. Emily enjoyed the session, met other girls involved in grassroots football and went on to successfully trial for Steel City Wanderers, joining their Under-11s team as a defender.
Emily’s footballing ability and confidence continued to develop through the combination of SWFCCP coaching and regular grassroots football. She later moved to Wisewood, where she established herself as a reliable centre-back. The team eventually became Millmoor Juniors U15 Blacks, and last season Emily helped the team to a 7–0 victory in the Shield final.
Alongside her grassroots football, Emily has continued to attend the SWFCCP Girls’ Development Centre, using the sessions as additional training to complement her club football. Her determination to improve, positive attitude and willingness to learn have made her a valued member of the group.
The SWFCCP has also provided Emily with a number of memorable opportunities beyond her regular training. She has represented the Community Programme as a matchday flag bearer and had the opportunity to play a half-time match on the pitch at Hillsborough. More recently, Emily captained the SWFC Community Programme team at the Premier League Kicks Girls’ Under-16s tournament in Sunderland.
Emily’s journey has continued to develop both on and off the pitch. She is now training with the Millmoor Juniors Women’s teams and hopes to begin her own journey into refereeing and coaching, helping to create opportunities for the next generation of girls in football.
Most importantly, Emily’s experience highlights the impact that accessible, girls-only football sessions, positive female role models and continued opportunities to participate can have on a young person’s confidence and development.
From being the only girl on the pitch to captaining a team and looking towards a future in football, Emily’s journey shows how the right opportunities and encouragement can help girls realise their potential.