The Essex FA report that Megan Goss was the special guest for their #WECANPLAY event, where the Millwall player emphasised how important backing from your family can be.
Millwall Lionesses’ player Megan Goss reinforced the importance of role models at the Essex County FA’s annual #WeCanPlay Girls Football Funday on Saturday 25th July, explaining how the backing of her family played a crucial part in her rise from grassroots to the FA WSL.
Girls in all age groups enjoyed free skills tests, challenges and small-sided games whilst celebrating the female game at Shenfield High School in Brentwood. Under 8s to 18s female players took part the Funday, which was jointly run by the County FA and the Essex County Girls’ and Women’s Leagues. Anyone not part of a team was welcome to attend to find out more about local clubs or taster sessions.
Megan herself was an Essex representative player at youth level, and she was keen to relay to the youngsters that they should make the most of the skills they have: “It’s lovely to see so many girls being intrigued in playing football now, especially after the Women’s World Cup. I hope it catches a lot of young, talented girls. By the turnout of today, it looks like the World Cup has had a massive effect.”
“There are a lot of girls at that age who have got a lot of talent. My Dad was my number one fan. When you’ve got a parent like that you can’t go wrong. He encouraged me and I ended up falling in love with the sport. Role models are important because they shows pathways. It’s just little things like having their traits or doing what they’re doing and following their footsteps.”
“If they’re massive in that sport or they’re doing really well then that’s what you want for your child. Just try it – absolutely get stuck in! Make sure you’re confident. If you don’t get into a team at a young age don’t let that get you down. I’ve been turned away so many times when I was younger and I found myself here, very happy and playing for the Millwall First Team.”
Players immersed themselves in Futsal, inflatable football games, a speed shot feature, small-sided matches and sessions with the FA Skills Team. During their breaks they were able to get involved with the face painting and temporary tattoo stations and meet Megan for autographs and ‘selfies’ and to chat about her pathway to the Super League. There were also coach and referee workshops to keep the team managers occupied.
At the conclusion of the event, Megan was on-hand to present Essex’s successful Under 16s and 14s Girls Schools Representative Teams with their trophies for winning the South-East England Schools FA (SEESFA) competitions in 2014/15.
Then every player was presented with a goody bag containing mini footballs, certificates and other gifts. Essex County FA Development Officer Emma Burden was thrilled with the success of the event.
“It was a brilliant occasion,” she explained. “It was a truly fun day. There were girls from all around the county, from different levels of the game, with no pressure to compete or win anything. The atmosphere was really positive and relaxed. Everyone got together to celebrate another great season! Hopefully the new girls will stick with the beautiful game for the long term. It was also brilliant to see some familiar faces enjoying the day. ”
To find out more about female grassroots football in Essex, visit www.essexfa.com. Information on female football is also shared on Twitter @EssexCountyFA and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.
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