Inspiring the next generation

Ahead of the upcoming women’s Euros - which get underway next month in Switzerland - Tameside School Sports Partnership are aiming to raise the profile of girls’ sport, in particular football, in local schools.  

Working in partnership with Manchester United and England star Ella Toone’s ET7 academy brand, 27 schools across Tameside are receiving Euros themed assemblies and girls’ football taster sessions led by ET7 coaches over the next month, with the aim to inspire over 5000 local children.  

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was recently invited to attend one of the sessions at Our Ladys of Mount Carmel RC Primary in Ashton, after which Toone also sent a video message wishing the pupils well.  

The school was also awarded a special award from Manchester FA for their work promoting girls football during the recent ‘Biggest Ever Football session’ - Angela was excited to present them with this award. 

Following the event, Emma Toone, Partnership Development Manager from Tameside School Sports Partnership told the Reporter:  “What better way to enthuse Tameside pupils with football than to get a message from Lioness Ella Toone and have an award given to them by the Deputy Prime Minister?  

“We thank both of them for the work they are doing to raise the profile of women and girls’ sport.  

“We hope that many pupils will love these visits, watch the Women’s Euros in July and then want to take part in more sport because of it.” 

ET7’s Ella Toone & Joe Bunney also commented: “For the last few weeks, we have been trying to raise the profile of girls’ football through our Euros campaign, which we have rolled out across 27 schools in Tameside.  

“The assemblies and sessions we have been providing in schools have been brilliant, and the schools’ reactions and engagement have been really great to see.  

“We have enjoyed helping the young kids gain knowledge of the the 2025 Euros and the previous Euros in 2022.” 

Toone and The Lionesses begin their European Championship defence on July 5 when they take on France in Zurich.