In an unprecedented collaboration with the adidas Breaking Barriers Project, Goals 4 Girls (G4G) hosted the UK's first girls’ wellbeing football tournament, G4G Football Festival, on Saturday, 13th July, in East London. The festival welcomed over 100 girls from 14 teams across England, marking a significant milestone in promoting female youth sports and wellbeing.
Hosted by former professional footballer Chloe Morgan, the festival highlighted the critical intersection of sports and wellbeing. "This event for 13/14-year-old girls was not just about football; it encapsulated the complete wellbeing of teenage girls as they transition into young women," said Coach Vas of Whetstone Wildcats.
The G4G Football Festival was designed to break down barriers to female sports participation. To support this mission, the event was made free entry, with all participants receiving free adidas kits and meals, ensuring accessibility for all.
Photo credit: Kya
The event featured three wellbeing workshops, aimed at supporting the holistic development of young girls. From meditation and affirmations to sports recovery, 20 sessions were delivered, teaching players techniques for caring for their bodies and minds. Alongside these activities, participants enjoyed adidas football boot testing, with some players having the opportunity to keep the Predator 24 boots worn by the likes of Alessia Russo and Jude Bellingham. Over 100 organic meals from a local vendor were served, emphasising the importance of nutrition in athletic performance.
Photo credit: Kya
Representatives from the England Women’s Talent Pathway also attended the tournament and were excited by the talent they saw. Regional Talent Manager, Ace, said “Tournaments like this are important in helping us to unearth talent from clubs and communities that we haven’t seen before. They allow connections and links to be formed between the DMT pathway and clubs. I was impressed by what I saw, and I look forward to attending again next year.”
Teams competed fiercely through the group stages, with the top two teams, and the best 3rd and second 3rd team advancing to the quarterfinals of the cup competition. The teams eliminated in the quarterfinals entered the plate competition, with the winners advancing further in the cup competition. The day wrapped up with an award ceremony presented by Watford's Championship player and Dominican Republic captain Lucía León, celebrating the remarkable achievements of all participants.
The cup winners were Balham FC, and the plate winners were Kick Action 2. Chloe Morgan, Head of She’s A Baller, the UK's largest women’s football publisher, presented the Baller of the Tournament award to Northstars FC. Through spells of highs and lows, this team showed resilience and battled to the end.
This groundbreaking festival provided a platform for young female athletes to showcase their talents and reinforced the importance of wellbeing and community in sports. Through this tournament and the accompanying workshops, G4G hopes to establish an annual event to empower and inspire the next generation of female footballers and sports professionals.
Photo credit: Simon Roberts Photography