In a move aimed at empowering girls through football, Girls United and Charlton Athletic Women FC are set to create an inspiring match day experience for Her Game Too and International Women’s Campaigns. On Sunday, March 31, 2024, Girls United FA, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering empowerment among girls through football, will attend the fixture between Charlton Athletic Women FC and Birmingham City.
The day promises to be a celebration for the local community of South East London, offering them the chance to be inspired by Charlton Athletic Women FC both on and off the pitch. From pre-match experiences like mascots to post-match meet and greets with the players, it's shaping up to be a unique experience for girls and young women from Girls United.
Reflecting on the partnership, Abigail Ingram, Girls United London manager, shared her excitement: “Having a local partnership with clubs like Charlton Athletic Women FC only enhances the opportunities for our Girls United community. The matchday experience is especially thrilling as it will allow our players to feel inspired and witness how the local community can visibly connect with players, see the on-pitch pathway, and help us build the next generation of fans. We are eagerly anticipating bringing our community into a professional space such as The Valley, with on-pitch experiences like mascots and guard of honor. It's going to be amazing to see representation of the local community come together with WSL Championship players and management.”
Louise McGing, Charlton Women FC’s General Manager, expressed her delight at the partnership: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Girls United, to not only provide a platform to showcase the fantastic work that they do within the local community but also inspire their players through the personalised experiences we offer on our match days. The professional game relies on the incredible work that happens at grassroots level within clubs such as Girls United. And our matchday experiences are just one way we as a professional club can support their efforts, exposing their players to the professional pathway both on and off the pitch and supporting a sustainable future overall for our sport. Alongside themed football events, Girls United were a perfect fit to join us and be a part of this month's celebrations, and we hope to partner with them again in the near future.”
The partnership between Girls United and Charlton Athletic Women FC signifies a significant step forward in promoting gender equality and empowerment within football. Through collaborative efforts like these, the footballing community can continue to inspire, empower, and celebrate the involvement of women and girls in the beautiful game.