Chelsea FC Women legend Katie Chapman recently joined female students at Epsom and Ewell High School to share an insight into her football career with the Blues and discuss challenges she has had to overcome, while also providing pupils with advice and tips to help shape their futures.
Chapman took part in the virtual event as part of our Goal Getters programme which was relaunched this term.
The Goal Getters programme is designed to equip young females with essential tools and skills such as resilience, self-esteem, confidence and empowerment.
The programme is aimed at females in secondary schools, helping them define their sense of purpose and manage relationships effectively.
Chapman played for the Blues for four years before retiring in 2018 and the former England international has now taken up an ambassadorial role at the club.
‘It was great to be part of the goal getters project to help young girls build resilience when faced with difficulty and setbacks,’ said Chapman.
‘I really enjoyed sharing my experiences from my career and what I had to overcome with being a female in a male-dominated sport.’
More than 300 female participants have engaged in our Schools Education female-targeted programmes with a range of topics discussed including values, self-identity and self-purpose.
In addition to this, the Chelsea Foundation delivered a ‘Celebrating Leaders’ event earlier this month to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.
Chelsea Women midfielder Melanie Leupolz joined more than 100 young women at the event aimed at celebrating successful female leaders.
Chelsea Foundation education officer Alfie Butwell added: ‘Our Goal Getters programme has had huge success since the relaunch.
‘The young women have had the opportunity to enhance their skill sets but to also discuss and reflect barriers they may be facing amongst their peers.
‘Providing female-only provisions allows the young women’s voices to be heard whilst engaging in fun activities.’
Aisleen Sheehan, assistant head teacher at Epsom and Ewell High School, said: ‘Goal Getters has been such a brilliant opportunity for our students.
‘It has opened up powerful conversations around the girl’s aspirations, values and self-esteem. The sessions have been engaging, meaningful and enjoyable.
‘I cannot thank Alfie and his team enough. They have been so flexible and understanding of the many changes we’ve had to make with lockdown!
‘I’m so glad we have given our girls this opportunity especially during a time when it is vital to empower girls to be confident and dream big.’
For more information about our Goal Getters programme, or any of our female targeted programmes, please contact [email protected]