International Women’s Day brings Tyne and Wear together

Foundation of Light and Newcastle United Foundation joined forces on Monday as both charities celebrated International Women’s Day.

Sunderland PDC under-10s travelled over the water to NUCASTLE, where they participated in a range of futsal matches, with players from Sunderland AFC Ladies and Newcastle United Women watching on.

In between games, players explored their creative side as they took part in an International Women’s Day themed workshop, where they were asked to produce a poster showcasing female sportspersons that inspire them.

After competing against Newcastle on the court, attention turned to the special guests in attendance, as Black Cats defender Louise Griffiths joined the panel for a Q&A session, reflecting on how she got into football and who her heroes were growing up.

Speaking after the event, Griffiths was impressed to see so many young footballers coming together for International Women’s Day. “I think it’s amazing. Looking at some of the young girls, you can see their talent already and I just think it’s nice to see the setup that’s there for the girls, because I know when I was younger, it wasn’t anywhere near as good as it is now.”

With women’s football continuing to go from strength-to-strength, Griffiths hopes this is just the start of an upwards trajectory. “Even in the last year, it’s came on leaps and bounds and I think the opportunities for young girls and girls of our age is massive.

“On the back of the women winning the Euro’s, the publicity that women’s football has got is great so hopefully it will carry on.”

The Foundation will also be hosting its own International Women’s Day event on Wednesday, as over 50 students from St Mary’s, Grange Park and John F. Kennedy primary schools descend on the Beacon of Light, celebrating the day by engaging in an array of activities.