Lionesses hero Kelly inspires girls at London Youth Games

Over 240 girls aged 12-14 descended on Ealing’s Gunnersbury Park from 29 of London’s boroughs to take part in the tournament on a fun-filled day that aimed to keep girls inspired and motivated to take part in sport and fan the flames of a love of football.

Attention soon turned to Lionesses icon Kelly, who spoke with the girls about her World Cup dream this summer, returning after setbacks and inspired the youngsters to keep playing a sport still dominated by boys at youth level.

Kelly, who grew up in Hanwell and represented Ealing in the London Youth Games, is gearing up for the most eagerly anticipated Women’s World Cup as a key part of Sarina Wiegman’s England squad, having netted their winner in the Euros final.

“I absolutely loved meeting so many girls who are excited about playing football,” said Kelly, appearing in her capacity as a Nike ambassador.

“The growth of the girls’ game throughout the country is more important than any goal or trophy ever could be.

“I remember developing my passion for football just down the road from here so it’s great to see girls who are just like I was follow in those footsteps.

“I loved taking part in the London Youth Games when I was younger, I was proud to represent Ealing and it made me love football and being part of a team even more than I already did. I jumped at the chance to come back to the Games and help the next generation.

“Obviously, I can’t wait to travel to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer, we’re aiming to do the girls here and fans around the country proud – and hopefully inspire even more girls to get involved in football.”

The England striker, who scored the crucial winner against Germany in the Euro 2022 final, gave away 240 sports bras to the young participants, while the winning team each received a signed football.

The event was part of London Youth Games ‘Open Games’ which young people who either live or go to school in a London borough can compete in. The Open Games is in partnership with 33 London local authority members and is proudly supported by Nike.

London Youth Games is committed to increasing participation in sport for young people across the capital, with the event at Gunnersbury Park key to inspiring young girls to continue their sporting journey.

Research from Women in Sport shows that only 14% of girls aged 5-16 achieve recommended levels of physical activity, dropping to 10% of girls aged 13-16. Sports competitions like London Youth Games help tackle this and keep young girls interested, inspired and motivated to keep taking part in sport.

London Youth Games Foundation chair Prof Geoff Thompson MBE said: “We are delighted that Chloe Kelly took the time to attend our fantastic girls’ football event. She’s a sporting icon and her inspiration to young people throughout the capital is the essence of the London Youth Games experience.

“As a former Youth Games participant, Chloe is a great example of our core beliefs of inclusivity, fitness, fun and access to sport for young people throughout the capital.

“Sport is a powerful medium in delivering the mental, physical and emotional health and wellbeing and this tournament promotes and encourages girls’ participation in football. We wish Chloe and the Lionesses all the very best for the FIFA Women’s World Cup!

“We’re also look forward to welcoming everyone to the London Youth Games Finals Festival in the first weekend of July at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”

London Youth Games continues with events throughout June and culminates in the exciting Finals Festival across the weekend of July 1-2 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – the first multi-sport, multi-venue youth event in Stratford since the 2012 Games.