Pioneering Gender Equality in Football

The campaign – first launched by the FA in 2021 – aims to satisfy the growing demand for girls to play football, by providing them with equal opportunities to do so.

Since the introduction of the initiative three years ago, Martin High have undertaken pioneering work to ensure all learners are able to enjoy ‘The Beautiful Game.’

Teachers have promoted gender equality not only in PE lessons, but also through extracurricular activities, ensuring the girls have access to the same footballing opportunities as the boys.

This year, as part of the ‘Biggest Ever Football Session,’ the FA visited our school and spoke to staff and learners about their experience of taking part in the national event – which, falling under the umbrella of ‘Let Girls Play,’ aims to get as many girls in school all playing football on the same day. The interview can be viewed here. 

Promoting equality through football has also allowed our teams to thrive on the pitch. In May, for example, our Key Stage 4 girls side won the County Cup for the first time in 14 years, triumphing over John Fernley College 4-1 in the showpiece final at Leicester City’s Seagrave Training Ground.

In recognition of our efforts to promote an inclusive PE offering, in May the FA invited us to watch the Women’s FA Cup Final, contested by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, at Wembley Stadium.

PE teachers Mrs Coates and Mrs Harris attended and were hosted in a private box courtesy of the FA. They also enjoyed a tour of the pitch while the players warmed up and were later presented with the award, which is now sitting proudly in the school trophy cabinet.

“The FA said to us when we were there that we were a flagship school in the way we promote equality and not to underestimate how much of a good job we do,” explained Mrs Coates.

“We are looking to continue to build on this in the future by continuing our work with our Let Girls Play Ambassadors next year and who knows where we could end up next!”