Manchester City host school event to mark International Women's Day
Sunday 8 March 2015 19:12, UK
Manchester City are aiming to inspire the next generation of female footballers by opening the gates of their state-of-the-art academy to schoolgirls.
More than 300 girls from 29 schools across Greater Manchester were invited to take part in the tournament at the City Football Academy as part of the club’s celebration of International Women’s Day.
On hand to offer advice to the young hopefuls was Izzy Christiansen, the 23 year-old who scored the goal that clinched the club’s first major piece of silverware in October, the WSL Continental Cup.
“It’s amazing to see the talent on display, I’ve been so impressed by the girls and how good they are” she told Sky Sports News HQ,
“And it’s fantastic we can offer them the chance to experience playing at these wonderful facilities.”
Christiansen and four of her teammates were mobbed by the12 and 13-year-olds when they arrived to referee the knockout stages after a fiercely competitive pool stage. After signing autographs and posing for the obligatory selfies, Christiansen spoke to the girls about the opportunities they’ve got to forge a career in the sport.
“I’m so privileged to be a professional and to come here every day to train and learn,” she said. “Women’s football is getting better and I’m amazed every time I drive through the gates to play alongside the men. There’s no better time to be a woman playing football and hopefully one day some of these girls will go on to play for Manchester City.”
Taking heed of the inspirational words, Blue Coat School in Oldham met Newall Green High School in the final. It was 1-1 at full time but a well-placed extra-time winner gave Blue Coat School the trophy.
As well as medals and tickets to watch Manuel Pellegrini’s side at the Etihad, the Year 8s will now go on to represent Man City at the Premier League Schools Tournament at White Hart Lane in May.
City in the Community continues to expand the opportunity for girls to play football. Since being established in 1986 the programme has grown to now offer more than 500 girls training every week, as well as free half-term soccer schools. The club is also working with the National Football Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery to celebrate women in football and their achievements to date.
