Northumbria Police Chief Constable and Newcastle United Women’s Coach Rachel Furness celebrate Foundation girls’ tournament

A grassroots football tournament aimed at giving girls equal opportunities has been hailed a “huge success”.

Newcastle United Foundation, together with Northumbria Police and the Football Association (FA), held the North East Girls’ Community Showcase Event at Newcastle Bullocksteads sports centre in Ponteland.

Funded by the Premier League Kicks programme delivered by the Foundation, the one-day tournament comprised of ten U13 and ten U15 teams, which had been carefully selected from schools across the region.

It focused on young girls who may not ordinarily have access to sporting equipment or the opportunity to play football.

Newcastle United Women’s Head Coach U16s Rachel Furness, as well as scouts from the FA, spent time at the tournament encouraging players and inspiring the next generation to continue their journey in sport.

A number of policing departments – including the Mounted Section, Community Engagement Team and Cadet leaders – were also in attendance and gave educational talks throughout the day.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: “Inspiring ambition and providing meaningful opportunities to play and enjoy sport is key to supporting the next generation to explore their personal goals.

“By working in partnership with Northumbria Police, the Premier League the FA and local schools, we’re able to remove barriers to participation and give young girls the confidence, skills and opportunities to engage in sport.

“It’s fantastic to see so much talent, enthusiasm and positivity on display, and we hope this experience inspires participants to achieve their potential both on and off the pitch.”

The event was rounded off by the presentation of a trophy and medals by former Northern Ireland international Furness and Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine – who is also the national lead for the GB women’s football team.

Speaking of the day’s success and what it means, Chief Constable Jardine said: “Today was a huge success – with everyone giving it their all both on and off the pitch.

“There were a lot of smiling faces, and without this event, many of the girls may not have been able to experience playing sport to a competitive level.

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors, partners and staff for their support in both making this happen and engaging with the girls.

“The importance of events like these cannot be underestimated and can sometimes be a turning point for youngsters.”

She continued: “Today was also an opportunity for the young people to engage in a really positive way with policing – demonstrating the real value of community engagement and showing that policing is a welcoming and supportive career for all.

“We’d love to see some of the people here today consider a career in policing in the future.

“Sport is also a great way to keep young minds occupied, as well as having many health benefits.

“We hope this has inspired the girls to continue playing sport and has provided them with the confidence to explore opportunities local to them.”

Premier League Kicks Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

More than 4,000 young people enjoy free, supervised Premier League Kicks sessions delivered by Newcastle United Foundation every year, with sessions available across the North East, from Berwick to Gateshead – click here to register.

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