Words by Blyth Brentnall
Image: James Boyes.
The highest capped player in women’s football, Fara Williams, is aiming for a new goal: to get more girls interested in playing football.
That’s great! Tell me more.
Fara has teamed up with the cereal company, Weetabix, on their campaign, ‘Balls Allowed’.
The campaign is challenging ‘No balls allowed’ signs in urban areas. The signs frequently deter children from playing, and yet they are not always legally enforceable.
To encourage more girls to play the game, campaigners are setting up pop-up goals in cities across the UK, including London, Leeds, and Manchester.
They are also distributing hundreds of free footballs to enable even more children to play this most loved game.
“Being able to have a kickabout in my local community was my first step to discovering a love for football,” said Fara. “Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today, I wouldn’t have been a Lioness.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Women In Sport. A charity breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more active and participate in sports. Learn more here.
Burgess Sports. They empower disadvantaged children to achieve their goals by offering free sports sessions. Support them here.
United Through Sport. An organisation using sport to educate and empower children around the world. Find out more here.
