HAPPY & HEALTHY
For the love of the game Celebrated former England and Arsenal footballer Rachel Yankey shared her thoughts of the Women’s Euro 2022 games and how the spotlight is increasingly focusing on the sport.
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achel, who grew up in Queens Park and represented Brent in the London Youth Games, is passionate about supporting women in the sport. “I’ve always enjoyed playing football. It’s an easy sport that anyone can join in and play. You only need a ball, a bit of space and a few people to kick about. “I didn’t have any female role models, but I liked to watch Ian Wright who played for Arsenal. I just wanted to run around the playground being Ian Wright. “I’m excited that the Women’s Euros are coming to Wembley. I played in 2005 when the country hosted the Euros, so to have the Women’s Euros in this country and the final in Brent is amazing. “There has been a prominent shift in perception of women in the profession. It gets better every year but there’s much more to be done to help young girls feel inspired to play football and confident enough to join a club. “As a kid, I dreamt of becoming a vet, but would have been a sports coach or PE teacher, if I didn’t become a professional player”.
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Rachel Yankey
30
YOUR BRENT | SUMMER 2022
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There’s more to be done to help young girls feel inspired to play football.
