On Wednesday 8 March 2023, Lancashire FA joined organisations around the world in marking International Women’s Day, to celebrate women's achievements in the county.

Lancashire FA is proud to support over 10,000 females to participate in our national sport on a weekly basis, from Barrow in Furness in the North to Warrington in the South and Fleetwood in the West to Colne in the East. 

Lancashire FA and its partners held a number of events during the week of International Women’s Day, including a Q&A organised by Wigan Athletic Community Trust which was held at Wigan Youth Zone. Lancashire FA’s Participation and Development Team was represented by our Women’s Recreational Football Officer, Katie Wells, alongside other local female role models: gymnast Alice Leaper, former Olympian Jenny Meadows and Wigan Warriors’ Rachel Thompson.

Questions were asked about the challenges they’ve faced in their careers, how they think the media portrays their sport, and what advice they would give to their younger selves.

Katie spoke about how she wished someone had empowered her at a young age to take up football and was told she couldn’t be a footballer, but her message to everyone there was that if you work hard enough for something, you can achieve it.

Speaking after the event, Katie said: “I was very grateful to be asked to take part in this event and to be in a position to inspire the girls to believe in themselves and make their voices heard.

“At Lancashire FA, I’m involved in ensuring there is a real legacy from the region's hosting of the UEFA Women's Euros last year, by engaging women over 16 from historically underrepresented groups and communities to access opportunities such as playing, coaching, officiating and volunteering.

“I hope the girls who were at the event felt inspired to get involved.” 

Meanwhile, a Female CPD Coaching event was also held in conjunction with the FA, Sir Tom Finney FC and Blackburn Rovers Regional Talent Club. 

Held at UCLAN, the event was led by our FA Coach mentors specifically employed to support females who want to get involved in coaching, especially those who already have achieved the FA Playmaker and Introduction to Coaching Football (Level 1) within the last 12 months.

For more information on women and girls’ football in Lancashire, please click here