It’s the start of the new roaring 20s!
In the wake of the Lionesses’ historic Euro victory, Brigit Grant profiles the community’s top female players
Brigit Grant is the Jewish News Supplements Editor
Considering the first women’s international football game took place in 1920, it’s a mystery why the FA waited until 1993 to include females under their auspices. This was proven last Sunday with the score England 2 – Germany 1 – and not a man in sight.
There were certainly male supporters waving banners in the crowd at Wembley Stadium, but It took a team of female footballers to bring home the much sought after victory that we’ve been signing about for years in the Three Lions anthem.
Watching the England team hold up the Women’s Euro trophy was emotional.Social media was ablaze with cheering emojis and tears were shed across the country, many of them by women who recognised the empowering message of the Lionesses who will inspire future generations of girls to keep playing the game they love.
Now they will be taken seriously.
That the fairer sex finally has a real pitch for recognition is long overdue, notably for those who have been playing football since they were of primary school age. Among that group are lots of Jewish girls who are as psyched about soccer as their male counterparts and recently took part and won medals in their Maccabi teams at the Maccabiah Games.
Amelia Bloom won the Golden Boot as top scorer across all the competing teams from around the world which shows the girls may have skills the boys have yet to hone.
With the Year 7 girls at Hasmonean winning 6-5 against St James Catholic School who are in the Barnet Football league, we clearly need to keep our eye on the ball and learn the names, positions and teams of those who have a shot at success in the beautiful game.
That many are privately Spurs supporters is pure coincidence.
Boo Mills age 17
Started playing After school clubs when I was young, however only started properly playing when I was about 9/10
Currently playing Charlton Athletic FC
Position Either a fullback or a Centre midfielder
Favourite player Leah Williamson
Favourite team West Ham
Macey Bannerman-Lloyd, age 16
Started playing In year 1 when I was around seven
Currently playing Tottenham Hotspur Under 21
Position centre Midfield
Favourite player Lionel Messi
Favourite Team Arsenal
Charis Howell, age 16
Started playing When I was eight years old in the primary school playground, after my friends encouraged me to take a penalty
Currently playing Captain of Harlow Women, after five seasons at West Ham United
Position A defensive role in central midfield, but take up a CB position too
Favourite player Leah Williamson! Ever since she started playing in the Arsenal first team to now watching her lift the euros trophy as England captain. Inspirational
Favourite team Controversially, even though my favourite player is an Arsenal player and I wore the West Ham badge, I support Tottenham
Amelia Bloom
Amelia Bloom aged 16
Started playing At the age of four when I joined my local mini league
Currently playing Arsenal WSL Academy U21
Position Anywhere across the front three
Favourite player Gareth Bale, he was always my idol growing up, and Leah Williamson, because of everything she’s done for Arsenal, England and womens’ football
Favourite team I support Tottenham, however I keep womens’ football separate since I play for Arsenal
Talia Pitish, age 14
Started playing When I was seven, at Akiva primary school
Currently playing Brent U14. We won the Super Cup tournament at Ark Elvin school last month
Position Centre back. In primary school, I was a goalie, but switched three years ago
Favourite player Amy Turner, who is the centre back for Tottenham Hotspur. She is the player who has inspired me most. Watching her allows me to mirror her skills in my own game and helps improve my ability
Favourite team Tottenham Hotspur
Sophia Godfrey, age 14
Started playing When I was five
Currently playing Watford U14 (soon to be U16)
Position Striker
Favourite player Harry Kane
Favourite team Tottenham Hotspur
Sophie Feldman, age 10
Started playing When I was 6 and a half. I never wanted to go to dance classes when i was younger – just football.
Currently playing Maccabi London Lions U12 team
Position Centre Midfield, otherwise known as Box to Box Midfield.
Favourite player I love Russo! She came on as a sub and had all the energy every game. She has a huge impact on the game and always plays with a smile and never stops running
Lila Kaye, age 10
Started playing When I was seven
Currently playing Hampstead Garden Suburb Soccer
Position Midfield
Favourite player Harry Kane, but my favourite on the England womens’ team is Keira Walsh
Favourite team Spurs
Sophie Burke, age 9
Started playing When I was only 3!
Currently playing Alma Primary. It’s mostly girls but sometimes I play in a mixed team
Position My favourite is central midfield
Favourite player In the England team Lucy Bronze and Jill Scott and I also like Mo Salah (Liverpool) and Harry Kane in mens’ football
Favourite team Spurs Liverpool and England
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