Story added: 3rd August 2023
Ten-year-old Lilah epitomises the Foundation’s efforts to increase female participation in our various girls’ programmes through her incredible progress in such a short period of time.
Lilah’s first interaction with the Foundation came back in November 2022 at a multi-skills taster session delivered to over 200 pupils at a local school.
After enjoying the taster session, Lilah was keen to sign onto another programme. She was pointed towards our weekly girls-only football provision, Girls United. This programme allowed Lilah to play football in a fun and relaxed environment and receive coaching from some of her Norwich City Women idols, such as goalkeeper Bryony Williams.
A few months into Girls United, it became obvious that Lilah was talented and excelling in the current group. Lilah was subsequently invited to trial out of the Girls Development Centre programme – a programme for girls who have showcased impressive footballing talent.
Throughout the four-week trial, Lilah demonstrated her technical skills and strong motivation to succeed, which resulted in her being offered a place in our Development Centre where she has now been since February 2023.
Girls Football Coordinator, Rosie Filby told us:
“Since Lilah has been attending Girls United and our Girls Development Centre, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in her confidence and how she has developed friendships with the other participants.”
O’Shea, who coaches Lilah also reiterated her improvements in confidence by stating:
“The difference in confidence from the first session to the where she is now is vast. She’s really starting to shine in the group”.
Lilah is one of 34 girls who have participated in Girls United since its inception.
19th March 2025
The Community Sports Foundation is delighted to announce that Chaplin Farrant have officially come on board as a Foundation partner, sponsoring Norwich City’s Cerebral Palsy Football Team
11th March 2025
For International Women's Day 2025 we hosted a special event at The Nest for girls from local schools.
7th February 2025
The Foundation's Girls' Football & Education team will host the NFYL League Cup semi-final at The Nest on Wednesday, 12th of February as they look to build on a successful season.
4th February 2025
On Friday 31st January, 21 primary schools from across Norfolk arrived at The Nest for a day of competitive tournament football.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
Ready for an adventure? Join us this July for the Three Peaks Challenge and help support the incredible work of the Community Sports Foundation. This is your chance to conquer the UK’s most iconic mountains, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon – all in one unforgettable weekend.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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