A week has passed since International Women’s Day. Here is a look back to how we celebrated. 

International Women’s Day was held on March 8^th and to mark the day Bromley Football Club and its Community Sports Trust, held a number of events across the week to celebrate both women and girls’ involvement at the club. 

We began by highlighting the women in the club. From Academy Scholar to Welfare Officer, we showcased the different roles that women have in football and how they are making a difference. Women and Girls’ Development Officer, Andrea Ellis said, “It’s great to show the wide range of roles that women have in the club. Bromley is an inclusive club and this week has been an opportunity to celebrate all of these amazing woman not just on the pitch but off it as well.” 

You can find out more about ‘Our Stories’ by clicking here. 

On Wednesday, as part of the ‘Let Girls Play’ initiative, Bromley Community Sports Trust ran two events at local primary schools with over 120 girls participating. The sessions, at St Mark’s CE Primary School and St James’ RC Primary School involved a skills session, played games and finished with a match. Players from both the Ladies and Men’s First Team, the Women’s Coach, and Academy Players took part in the event and answered question from the pupils about their life in football.

Ladies first team goalkeeper Sophie Pourou said “I am absolutely thrilled that there are so many girls enjoying playing football. It is great to see the growth in women’s football, they can inspire to be footballers and we need to inspire more girls to play football. It’s so important that every girl has football as an option, not just as an opportunity.” 

Men’s first team player, Louis Dennis added “It’s so great to see all of the girls out here today playing football. It’s so important for women and girls to know that they can access football in so many different ways, not just playing, coaching but also working in football. I am really happy to be a part of it, it has been so good to see girls out here with their friends in the fresh air which is so healthy for the mind. It is brilliant to see them enjoying it.” 

The ‘Let Girls Play’ initiative, which aims to see all girls have equal access to football in schools by 2024 will see Bromley FC Community Sports Trust continue their work to support local schools increase the number of girls participating in football. 

Last week, Bromley Football Club joined The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and other London football and rugby clubs to support a new campaign which speaks directly to men and boys about how their actions can help end violence against women and girls. 

The hard-hitting campaign carries the message: “Male violence against women and girls starts with words. If you see it happening, have a word with yourself, then your mates.” 

Launching on Monday 14th March, the Mayoral initiative aims to challenge the sexist attitudes and inappropriate behaviours exhibited by some men in order to tackle the epidemic of misogyny and violence against women and girls. Research by UN Women UK indicated that 71 per cent of all women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space with this number rising sharply to 86 per cent among 18-24 year olds. 

Byron Webster, Captain for Bromley Football Club, said: “I think the campaign is a really important one and as a Club, we’re pleased to get behind it. Off the field, Bromley Football Club has done a lot of work to provide opportunities for women and girls, and equally, we’re keen to do our bit in raising awareness to protect women. With International Women’s Day taking place last week, it’s time for us all to think about how we can protect women around us.”

To end the week the 100^th episode of the ‘Ravens Weekly’ was dedicated to International Women’s Day. With Women and Girl’s Development Officer, Andrea Ellis, and Marketing Manager, Charlotte Richardson, taking the reins, they covered all things Women and Girls in football and provided an update on all of the events held at the club during the week. 

You can listen to the 100^th episode here: 

Director of Charity and Community, Jeff Hutton, said on the club’s activities: “It’s incredibly important we take the opportunity of International Women’s Day to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by women at Bromley FC. 

“We’re very proud of the opportunities provided to Women & Girls across the Club and I think Andrea and Chloe, our Media & Communications Assistant, have done a superb job of highlighting and communicating the ongoing and valuable work we are currently undertaking at Bromley FC.”

#WeAreBromley