26 raring2go.co.uk Girlguiding and UEFAWomen’s EURO 2022 announce a 1 year partnership to challenge gender stereotypes and help more girls and young women enjoy the beautiful game To mark this new partnership, Girlguiding has created a new badge for members to collect Girlguiding, the UK’s leading charity for girls and young women, and UEFAWomen’s EURO 2022 have teamed up to encourage more girls and young women to get involved in football. The partnership is being announced ahead of the this summers UEFAWomen’s EURO 2022 tournament. It is hoped the collaboration will excite and encourage girls and young women’s interest in football and reinforce the sport’s inclusivity. Girlguiding members will also have the chance to celebrate the tournament with a brand-new badge, whether they watch a match or participate in the co-created football activities. Through the partnership, more than 5,000 Girlguiding members are planning to attend EURO matches across England this summer. Tickets are still available for matches at most venues. Prices start at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s: To launch this new partnership, Girlguiding members from 21st NE Manchester Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and the Greater Manchester Rangers joined England footballers, Katie Zelem and Ella Toone for a fun training session at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, which will host the opening game of UEFAWomen’s EURO 2022 on 6 July. The girls had the opportunity to try out new football related activities co-created by Girlguiding and UEFA, before trying their hand at being a sports journalist during a girl-led press conference. England midfielder Katie Zelem said: “Getting to meet all the Girlguiding members was just incredible. They picked up the activities so quickly and we all had an amazing time on the pitch talking about the game. As a former Rainbow, myself, it’s fantastic to be involved in such an important partnership” Teammate Ella Toone added:“I wish something similar had existed when I was younger, and I look forward to the tournament this summer knowing that Girlguiding members all over the country will be cheering us on with energy and passion.” Recent research commissioned by CHILDWISE found almost one third (32%) of girls aged 7-17 would like more opportunities to play football and more than half of girls (52%) have never watched football in a stadium, compared to 33% of boys. The research also found 69% of girls would like to see women’s football celebrated more in the media and 71% of all children (boys and girls) think female footballers should be paid the same as male footballers1. Girlguiding Advocate Caitlyn, 22, added:“Football is such a great sport, to play and to watch. I’m so excited Girlguiding and UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 have teamed up to help more girls to get involved. The co-created activities are a great way to introduce girls to the game and get across the message that football is for everyone, not just for boys.” Girlguiding and UEFA women’s EURO 2022 join forces to get more girls & young women playing football Raring2go! FEATURE
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