To celebrate the launch of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme, England stars Leah Williamson and Demi Stokes each surprised a group of primary school children from two of the UEFA Women’s EURO England 2022 Host Cities. 

Milton Keynes born Leah Williamson joined in to lend a helping hand as pupils from Milton Keynes’ Emerson Valley School were busy taking part in classes from the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme, while Stokes surprised a primary school based in Manchester.

The programme that aims to inspire and unite schools and communities to grow the women’s game, gives teachers across the country access to a digital pack, consisting of free, cross-curricular resources all themed around the UEFA Women’s EURO.

Williamson, who dialled in virtually to the lesson, not only got the 9–11-year-old pupils excited about meeting the star player, but also helped them crack some of the Schools Programme challenges, such as preparing a half time team talk and researching some of the icons of the game, all before answering their questions about the upcoming tournament. 

England star Williamson said, “I loved surprising the school kids who are from my hometown of Milton Keynes! It’s great that they’re able to learn more about women’s football and UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 – especially as they have group tickets to some of the games on their doorstep at Stadium MK.
 
It’s so important to inspire the next generation of female athletes so I hope all schools get involved with the Schools Programme and provide a lasting legacy.”

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme resources are suited for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 [8-14 years of age] and have been developed and tested by teachers to encourage teamwork, creativity, and a love of sport. The activities, which cover subjects including PE, English, Maths, PSHE [Personal, Social, Health and Economic education], Science and Art & Design, can be differentiated for pupils of varied abilities or with SEND and can be used in the classroom or at home.

The resources fit in with the school curriculum and include an array of activities and tips from how to run a EURO themed assembly to challenge packs consisting of 23 activities, such as making a mini stadium out of recycled materials and preparing a motivational speech as a team captain. Pupils will be able to fill out a tournament time journal as well as take on the role of organisers with creating their own Fan Zone.    

As part of the programme, one lucky school that downloads the resources will also win a Q&A session with one of the England Women’s stars playing in the tournament, while other top prizes will be given out to schools in the lead-up to the first match on 6 July.

Williamson added, “Many of us players discovered our love for football at school, so we know first-hand what an important role teachers play when it comes to instilling a passion for the game and developing the skills we need.

"We'd love as many pupils and schools as possible to enjoy the UEFA Women's EURO this summer, with it being on home soil. The Schools Programme is packed full of resources to inspire children in the lead-up to the tournament and beyond, so I hope all schools get involved with the Programme to help provide a lasting legacy.”

To download the resources, and stand a chance of winning a Q&A with an England player, as well as many other prizes, visit www.weuro2022schools.com 

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 takes place in England in July and is due to be the biggest European women’s sport event in history. 16 nations will compete across 10 venues, in nine host cities, all kicking off on 6 July at Old Trafford, with the final at Wembley Stadium on 31 July.   

Stadium MK will play host to three Group B stage matches and a semi-final. The matches include Spain vs Finland on 8 July, Denmark vs Finland on 12 July and Finland vs Germany on 16 July.

Schools can purchase group tickets for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 up to 28 February, using code SCHOOLS www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing/