BURNLEY WOMEN VISIT SCHOOLS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

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Players deliver assemblies and coaching sessions

2024-03-08T09:00:00.000Z

BURNLEY WOMEN VISIT SCHOOLS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Players deliver assemblies and coaching sessions

2024-03-08T09:00:00.000Z

Players deliver assemblies and coaching sessions

Last week Mikayla Wildgoose, Naomi Hartley and Paris Dalton paid a special visit to three of Burnley FC in the Community’s partner primary schools ahead of International Women’s Day today (8th March).

The event aimed to inspire the children at Padiham Primary School, St Leonards Primary School, and St John the Baptist RC Primary School, all of whom are part of BFCitC’s Premier League Primary Stars programme.

All three players spent the morning sharing their incredible journeys and emphasising the resilience and determination it takes to succeed in football.

The visits were also designed to highlight the significance of gender equality in sport, showcase the importance of role models and provide the students with tangible examples of strong, successful women.

BURNLEY WOMEN VISIT SCHOOLS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - Image 1

The day kicked off with an interactive assembly where the players discussed their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

Mikayla spoke about the importance of teamwork and the dedication required to excel in football, while Paris shared her passion for the sport and the joy it brings to overcome obstacles.

Having spent time abroad on a scholarship program in America, Paris is now pursuing a master’s degree while playing football.

Naomi, who grew up in Burnley, emphasised the power of perseverance and encouraged the students to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

After the assembly, the students had the opportunity to ask questions which ranged from the challenges they faced as female athletes to their most memorable career moments.

BURNLEY WOMEN VISIT SCHOOLS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - Image 2

Padiham Primary School teacher Miss McKenna expressed her thanks for the visit, saying: “The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit.

“Their eyes lit up when the players walked into the assembly and there were audible gasps when they announced that they were professional football players.

“Shortly after the assembly, our girls football team came back inside red-faced, full of energy, and excited to share their experience of playing alongside professional players. “One particularly potent moment for me was when I was outside refereeing the football game at playtime. Several girls who may not usually play football were enthusiastically engaging in tackles and chasing the ball down with real determination!

Thank you, Burnley FC Women, for inspiring some of our young children.”

Defender Mikayla Wildgoose added: “It was a very enjoyable morning sharing my experiences with the kids.

“Equality is massively important and I think it’s good that we can help to teach them that from a young age.

“It would be brilliant to see some of them at Turf Moor when we take on Liverpool Feds in April too– the more the merrier!”