Case Study: FA Player Appearances – The Influence of Elite Sport Stars

Key findings

• Player appearances provide a really positive experience for girls in school and community settings.

Four key impacts:

• Re-enthusing and validating girls’ participation in football.
• Actively and meaningfully getting across positive life lessons.
• Inspiring girls to believe they can achieve in football.
• Driving interest in the women’s elite game.

Recommendations

Programme monitoring:

• Player appearance programmes need to be continually monitored to assess impact.

Key measures include:

• Create regular training programmes for athletes who are selected to make player appearances, to make them effective role models.
• Support players to develop personalised materials that help share their stories.
• Make sure girls are aware of local football opportunities beyond the visit of the player.

Recommended links and resources

Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation. (2013). Kick off your career: Turn your passion for football into your job.