Sunderland AFC Ladies captain Keira Ramshaw has paid tribute to the Foundation of Light as the football club’s official charity embarks on its 20th anniversary year.
The 27-year-old midfielder has spoken about how she benefitted from Foundation programmes from a young age and attributes much of her success to the support she has received from the charity.
Keira, who was spotted by the Foundation at the age of 7 said, “They’ve immensely helped me in my career, whether it’s been on the pitch or off the pitch. They’ve helped with my teamwork skills and confidence.
“The Foundation has helped to provide me with a building block of how to conduct myself in and out of sport.
Keira also explained how doing her work experience with the Foundation made her realise she should prepare for life after football and began equipping herself with skills to help her future career.
“The experience gave me so many skills and it actually made me want to go onto the pathway to work in a school and help children.
“I now work as a teaching assistant so I’ve got the Foundation to thank not only for my football and where I am now, but also for work qualities as well.”
Keira started her journey with the Foundation’s Regional Talent Club – a talent pathway for Sunderland AFC Ladies which has previously produced players such as England captain Steph Houghton and her fellow World Cup stars Lucy Bronze and Jill Scott.