In celebration of International Women’s Day, The Vice Lord-lieutenant of Shropshire, Jenny Wynn was invited by Shrewsbury Up and Comers FC to give a talk on her own journey and career.
The club organised a Girls Empowerment event with 54 of their female players in attendance. As a club, they believe in equality for their girls, not just on the pitch but off the pitch too, and therefore invited some of the communities role models along to share their experiences and offer some inspiration for the girls to believe that gender should never deter them from following their dreams.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant was also joined by Chief Inspector Tracey Ryan of West Mercia Police, Shrewsbury Town Women’s Leanne Rimmer and Brogen Cook, FA Level 5/3W Referee Ceri Thomas, and Warrant Officer Shona Buckley of the Royal Air Force.
Their aim as a club is to continue to offer opportunities to both boys and girls, breaking down stigma and barriers around the female game. They currently have 87 girls registered within the club and 24 females who support behind the scenes either as committee members, coaches or in team support roles. They are also very proud as a club to have a female lead, with both their Chair and Vice Chair roles being held by women.
Photo – Shrewsbury Up and Comers FC