Monday 11 March: Tottenham Hotspur’s Global Football Development programme recently held a girls’ festival on International Women’s Day with the aim of inspiring young footballers.

The festival, hosted at the Club’s Training Centre and supported by the Spurs Foundation, featured attendees from local schools, with the morning session targeted at local colleges and the afternoon festival arranged for primary schools, all watched on by coaches from the development programme.

New City College, Onslow St Audrey’s, Saint Nicholas and Hertford Regional College joined ten primary schools from the area in attending the event.

In attendance was former Spurs Women captain Jenna Schillaci to offer advice and hand out prizes to the participants.

Speaking at the event, Schillaci said: “I wish I’d had something like this when I was younger. This is a fantastic opportunity for these girls to play at a world-class training ground.

“I’ve never seen so many young girls at the Training Centre before and I think it’s fantastic that we’re giving equal opportunities and access to girls, as well as boys.

“There were girls playing today who had never played football before. How inspirational must this event have been for them! It’s been a great day and we’ve seen some talented young players come down to get involved.”

Each primary school participant received a prize pack including two tickets to an upcoming Tottenham Hotspur Women’s Super League (WSL) match as well as a WSL Panini Sticker book. A selected few were also identified and given spaces on the Tottenham Global Football Development Programmes in addition to Mascot Places for an upcoming WSL match.

“It was the best day, especially getting the surprise tickets at the end”, said one of the Year 5 participants. “I’m so excited to be able to go and watch the match!”

The Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development Programme works closely with both our Academy and Women’s Junior Talent Pathway to provide individual progression pathways for players of all development levels.

Player development is at the heart of the Club and The Global Development team impact around 6,500 players annually, as well as demonstrating year-on-year growth. Technical sessions are delivered by our FA and UEFA-qualified coaches who take inspiration from our Men’s and Women’s First Team training methods to help develop every player that takes part on our programmes.

To find out more visit: www.tottenhamhotspur.com