Fulham FC Foundation is launching a new project, supported by the Premier League Fans Fund.
The Premier League Fans Fund provides grants to support football clubs at all levels of the game to strengthen connections between them, their fans, and local communities.
The fund supports a range of fan-focused and fan-led projects, helping to foster a sense of belonging through meaningful engagement. This includes schemes for under-represented groups, to further develop an inclusive and welcoming matchday experience for everyone.
EmpowHer will use the reach and appeal of Fulham FC Women to focus on three key areas:
- Provide playing opportunities for local women and girls
- Allow us to better understand the motivations for playing and barriers to participation
- Improve the matchday experience at Fulham FC Women’s Fixtures
"Through the Premier League Fans Fund, Fulham FC Foundation will not only create a sense of belonging and connection with Fulham Women, but it will act as the catalyst to engage more women and girls. Through the creation of events and unique experiences, the Foundation will engage and inspire more girls to take part in football activity." - Mike McSweeney, CEO Fulham FC Foundation
Recently, Fulham FC Foundation caught up with current Foundation participant and Fulham supporter Jorgie to discuss the impact that the new EmpowHer project is having on the local community.
“I support the Women’s team because, being a girl, I like to watch women play football as they inspire me to continue playing football.”
Jorgie is an all-round Fulham FC supporter following both the Men’s and Women’s team. Alongside attending both Womens and Mens matches Jorgie has taken part in many of our Foundation activities including Girls Development Centre, Soccer Schools and EmpowHer Festivals and Activations.
How is Jorgie involved in the Fulham Family?
“Bringing Jorgie to FFC and FFCW started out as my Dad used to bring me to the FFC when I was young. The fact the Jorgie then wanted to come and join us was brilliant, she really enjoys watching football. The three of us go to the games together – both at Craven Cottage and Motspur Park. We especially like it at Motspur Park as we may see a player on our way in. Jorgie loves playing football wherever she’s playing and watching as long as she’s enjoying it that’s the main thing for me, that’s what makes us happy, seeing her happy!” Barry, Jorgie’s Dad
How did Jorgie find out about the Women’s team at Fulham?
“As I first supported the Men’s team, my Dad looked at the Women’s league table and saw the Women’s team and that they play home games at Fulham FC Training Ground. We saw they were first in the league and Dad suggested going along to one of the matches. I really enjoyed that game and wanted to keep coming back! Ever since we keep coming back to the training ground to watch the home matches! I have even been to some away games too!” - Jorgie
“We went to Millwall and an away cup game versus Actonians where Jorgie also got involved in matchday activations there too.” - Barry, Jorgie’s Dad
Jorgie’s Role Model Players
“Harry Wilson plays in the same position as Jorgie, so she watches what he does in the match so she can copy his performance. Alex Hayman used to play at Epsom & Ewell which is where Jorgie plays! Jorgie recognises this pathway from Alex at Epsom & Ewell and now at FFCW and feels this is something she can achieve too.” - Barry
“Jorgie has attended our Girls Development Centre for 2 years now and has been involved in our FFCW match day activations. Jorgie has had the opportunity to take part in matchday flag waving at both Craven Cottage and Fulham FC’s Training Ground. These events have allowed her a first-hand experience of senior football where she is inspired by her role model players. This is especially important to young players recognise the pathway that exist for them both as a participant and fan in football!” - Niamh Barnett, Female Football Development Officer, Fulham FC Foundation
How has the EmpowHer project supported Jorgie?
Jorgie has had the opportunity to walk on to the pitch at Craven Cottage and Fulham FC’s Training Ground.
“I got to watch the players walk out through the tunnel from on the pitch.” - Jorgie
Jorgie especially enjoyed the crowd at Craven Cottage and the atmosphere there. She thinks FFCW players would enjoy playing in front of this crowd every week.
“FFCW should play more games at Craven Cottage as it’s a bigger and louder atmosphere! They should let everyone know where the other matches take place. We could give out leaflets about the matches at GDC and other programmes like what FFCF do for the summer camps. Watching FFCW inspires me to keep playing football. At GDC I feel more confidence in playing. I went on the pitch at Craven Cottage for the EmpowHer festival, this was a really good experience as I have been to so many FFC games seeing the pitch as a spectator. Finally playing on the pitch was completely different from sitting up in the stands behind the goal compared to being on it!” - Jorgie
How does it feel to be part of the Fulham Family?
“Good, I feel supported by the team here! When I come to the Training Ground or Craven Cottage to watch the games I feel energised by the crowd and I feel happy. No matter the score the atmosphere is still loud, even if we're a goal down I still feel like we will win. I then feel excited when I come to the Training Ground. It feels like a Fulham Family whenever I am here as I know many of the different coaches and see some of them even at FFCW and FFC matches and I say hi to them!” - Jorgie
This weekend, you too can experience a Fulham FC Women game at Craven Cottage when the team kicks off the 2024/25 season against Barking on Sunday 18 August.
To find out more about opportunities for Women and Girls please email femalefootball@fulhamfc.com.
