'An all-girls environment boosts us all'

Participants on Manchester United Foundation's Premier League Girls Football programme received a big surprise last week. 

Ashley Young and Morgan Schneiderlin took time out of their preparation for United's trip to Anfield on Monday to visit the girls from Levenshulme High School during coaching sessions and drills.

"We were just in shock because we’re massive United fans, it was unbelievable," Year 10 student Saarah told mufoundation.org. "We just thought it was going to be a normal session and never thought that we would be playing with Ashley Young and Morgan Schneiderlin!"

The session, held to coincide with FA Girls' Football Week, is one of many run by Manchester United Foundation in the local area and is having an impact on the girls.

"It's really important that it's held in an all-girls environment as this boosts us all," said Karam, a Year 10 student who has been attending the PL Girls Football programme for all its three years. “We’re playing a typically male dominated sport and to do that just speaks for itself really it’s just incredible."

The PL Girls Football programme is delivered by almost 90 professional clubs and helps females aged 11 and over take part in the sport, helping them develop a sporting habit for life.

In Manchester, it is also handing them the responsibility for managing others.

"The first year was very tough; we had to gain trust and respect with the girls and their parents to make it work," Hannah Mitchell, a MU Foundation coach said. "We did a few sessions with teachers, parents and family members to break down any participation barriers

"The girls have come a long way and now lead this session. They coach it and I can step back and watch all the amazing things they’re doing.”

The United stars admired what they saw.

"Two or three players have impressed me with good shots and good technique," Schneiderlin said. "It’s nice to see them just enjoying it with their friends."