Partington Street Reds participants enjoyed a session like no other when two Manchester United Women players joined in with the weekly kickabout recently!

Just down the road from our famous Carrington Training Ground, Manchester United Foundation holds free evening football sessions, every Tuesday from 5-7pm for 8-18 year olds to showcase their football skills in a positive and safe environment.

Led by Foundation coach Emma, the session is increasingly popular with budding female footballers, with over 30 young girls attending week-in, week-out to play the game they love.

Much to those girls’ excitement, one of the latest sessions included a very special visit from Reds duo Anna Sandberg and Evie Rabjohn, who immediately got stuck in to the action, by taking part in football-themed games and a mini tournament.

The activity was later followed by an inspiring Q&A where Anna and Evie shared stories of their journey to becoming professional footballers.

“I love the opportunities that are being given to these young girls and boys through the Foundation and Premier League programmes like this,” said Evie.

“For me, I never had access to anything like this and to be able to come down and be somebody the girls can look up to, and see that these things are available, it’s brilliant.”

Funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund, our Street Reds [Premier League Kicks] sessions use the power of football and sport to engage and inspire young people.

In another celebration, both players were on hand to present coach Emma with the ‘Street Reds coach of the month’ award, recognising her dedication to encouraging female participation.

Acknowledging Emma’s efforts, Anna said: “It’s so important to have coaches like Emma. Being young and having this opportunity to play football with your friends, it must be the highlight of their week. She’s doing a great job, and it’s very well deserved.”

“We do the best we can to inspire girls within our schools and projects,” commented Emma. “Giving them a safe environment to play with other girls, we try to be a role model to the young people we work with. To have two first-team players here interacting and playing with them, it’s a really special experience.”

“Girls still face barriers within sport, so giving them these opportunities through the Foundation really benefits them by helping them to socialise, learn skills like leadership and help them to transition from primary to secondary school.”

On receiving the award, Emma said: “I just love my job. I love doing it for the girls, they come to the session with a smile on their face and leave with a smile on their face, that’s what it’s all about.”

There were plenty of smiles from Holly and Lily who took part in the activity. “It was really good and nice because everyone got the chance to meet professional footballers, I feel like they’re a good inspiration for everyone to follow their leads,” said Holly.

Lily, who attends the weekly sessions said: “I love Street Reds. It shows that girls can play, and it’s their choice if they want to, it’s not just for boys. Having the players here it inspires us, we can look up to them and they give us aspirations to become a professional footballer.”