Round-up: April's activity at the Foundation of Light
From inspiring participant stories to activity-packed half-term delivery, April 2024 was full of action at the Foundation of Light.
Being nominated to the FIFA List was unbelievable and what I've worked really hard for. I will be officiating around the world on international games from under 17 to senior level. I have been lucky enough to be part of a number of games in countries such as America, Denmark, Sweden and Bosnia, which has given me a lot of experience already. Looking forward my ambition is to officiate at a major FIFA Tournament such as the Women's World Cup and would love to be promoted to the EFL Select 2 Group List for Championship games.
Helen Byrne, Foundation of Light Premier League Primary Stars Events CoordinatorOn and off the field, Helen is a role model and inspiration for the women's game, both as a referee and at Foundation of Light where she encourages more girls to get involved in football through school programmes, tournaments, workshops and festivals. Helen says: "Working for the Foundation of Light I can have a real influence on how women and girls get involved with the game which is very rewarding. "We have an incredibly comprehensive programme which incorporates everything from football-based exercise classes and sessions for those trying football for the first time, through to coaching, officiating and our Girls' Scholarship programme, which gives talented female players the opportunity to study for A levels whilst representing Sunderland AFC in a national league. "There has never been a better time for women and girls to get involved in football, there are so many routes and careers available now, and I would encourage anyone thinking of giving the sport a try to do so."
From inspiring participant stories to activity-packed half-term delivery, April 2024 was full of action at the Foundation of Light.
BBC Children's and Education, the Premier League and ParalympicsGB have come together to launch Super Movers for Every Body.
Sunderland AFC’s Jack Clarke and Bradley Dack joined Foundation of Light participants for a candid discussion around mental health ahead of the students' trip to Wembley Stadium to present a social action project.