To coincide with International Women’s Day, a record-breaking 465,000 girls from 5,000 schools across England took place in the FA’s third Biggest Ever Football Session earlier today, as part of the Let Girls Play campaign.
The sessions taking place up and down the country marked a year to the day since the UK Government committed to unlocking equal opportunities for girls to play sports including football in their schools.
One highlight of the day included a dedicated morning of Disney-inspired Shooting Stars by England Football sessions at Westcroft School in Wolverhampton. Students with special educational needs and disabilities were able to experience the magic of Disney by following the story of The Incredibles 2 in their school hall. The students also received some Disney gifts along with a special appearance from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
Shooting Stars, a grassroots football programme which introduces primary school girls to the joy of football through Disney storytelling, is a joint initiative between the FA and Disney. Since launching in 2019, the Shooting Stars programme has seen over 75,000 girls take part, which is live in over 3,600 schools across the UK. Last year, a new e-learning training platform launched, meaning that all 16,000 English primary schools now have access to the assets provided by the programme.
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s Director of Women’s Football, said: “I’m delighted to see Westcroft School in Wolverhampton involved today, through our Football Your Way plan launched in October 2021 we have shown a clear commitment to develop, improve and raise awareness of disability football in England. It is vital for all girls to have the chance to experience the benefits the game can offer, regardless of their ability or disability.”
Nicole Morse, VP of Brand and Franchise Marketing, Disney EMEA, said: “We are so proud of our FA Shooting Stars programme and for it to play a key part in the FA’s Biggest Ever Football Session. To see our characters and Disney storytelling have a real impact on schools like Westcroft School in Wolverhampton is wonderful.”
Using the magic of Disney storytelling from films such as The Incredibles 2, Frozen 2, Toy Story 4, Aladdin and The Lion King, Disney-inspired Shooting Stars by England Football enables teachers to bring the magic of Disney to the playground.
Visit here to find out how your school can get involved in Disney-inspired Shooting Stars.