Fulham FC Foundation are proud to partner with Hinchley Wood Primary School in Esher to help improve the physical wellbeing of their pupils, in a range of different sessions throughout the week. Pupils were starstruck when Fulham Women players arrived to join in with their after-school club.
On Thursday 27th September, Fulham FC Foundation welcomed First Team players Ella Tagliavini, Olivia Dale and Georgia Heasman to a girls-only football club being held at the school. This was a special moment for Olivia Dale, as she returned to the primary school she had previously attended.
Pupils were given the opportunity to ask the players questions at the beginning of the session. One pupil asked, “Do you find it hard playing football?” Olivia Dale remarked, “It can be hard sometimes, yes. But I found that the more I practise, the easier it is because I get better and better.”
Shortly after, pupils were able to warm up with the players and then practise the tricks that their new role models had demonstrated. Finishing off the session with small-sided matches, one pupil had rehearsed a celebration with Fulham striker Georgia Heasman in preparation for the moment they scored a goal.
After the session, the players chose their “Player of the Day” and presented them to the group, rewarding them with a medal.
93% of pupils agreed that they felt inspired to take part in more sport after the session, with one pupil asking: “Can you come back next week?”
“It was a really enjoyable visit to Hinchley Wood Primary School! The girls were full of energy, skills and questions. It was great being able to answer all their questions and engage with them throughout the sessions. Having role models as younger girls is so important and hopefully seeing the [Fulham] girls has inspired them.” - Olivia Dale, Fulham FC Women’s First Team player
“When I was growing up, there was little visibility of female players in football. I’m really proud to play a small part in increasing that visibility for young girls growing up now. We all know that if you can see it, you can be it.” - Kayleigh Bowers, Primary Education Manager, Fulham FC Foundation
If you would like to find out more on how Fulham FC Foundation can support your school, email: schools@fulhamfc.com
