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Siobhan Chamberlain inspires High School students

Manchester United Women’s goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain recently visited Foundation partner school Dean Trust Wigan to inspire a group of year seven footballers.

| by Thomas Bradshaw-Jones

The Reds keeper took an active part in a communication workshop, a Q&A session and also made time for a kickabout with the excited students. Chamberlain, who is one of the most experienced players within the team, also shared her past experiences and gave a detailed insight into life as MU women's number one. 

Speaking about the visit Siobhan explained how important it is for players to reach out to local schools and spend time inspiring young fans. “I think it’s really important to be able to give back to the community. It’s also about giving young girls the opportunity to see the possibilities that if they follow their dreams, work hard and are good at football then they could one day play for Manchester United women.”

Chamberlain added: “I came in and they were doing a workshop on communication and leadership and how it relates into football and developing your abilities on and off the pitch.
Their standard was really good and it was great that they had a goalkeeper as well; goalkeeping is an area where we want to get more girls into.”

Foundation School Partnerships Officer Matt Lawlor, who is based at Dean Trust Wigan full time, spoke about how the visit would inspire pupils to greater heights both from a sporting and academic perspective. “The players will be so happy with today. Siobhan is a huge star within womens football and has seen and done it all. Hearing about her pathway to becoming a professional and then having a chance to kick a ball around will have made a huge impact.

Matt added “These types of opportunities don’t happen everyday and as a Foundation we’re always excited when we give students the chance to get closer to their idols and experience some of the Manchester United magic.”