Bursary Appeal

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Jess Lienard is a current pupil at NHSG, and she has a strong passion for football. At NHSG, we are very lucky to have Georgia Gibson as a PE Teacher. Miss Gibson is also Number 10 on the Newcastle United Women’s First Team, and so she is a huge inspiration to the girls, particularly Jess.

Georgia will be instrumental in teaching Jess Lienard who joined us with a Sports Exhibition in Year 7 in 2021.

Jess has played football since she was four years old and trained with the Newcastle Community Foundation every Saturday between the ages of four and seven. We interviewed Jess to find out more about her football journey.

When did you start playing football?

I started playing football for a club when I was about 8 years old, but I always used to play football in my garden with my brother for as long as I can remember.

What is it about football that makes you love it more than any other sport?

I love how it’s a team sport so everyone supports each other even if you are losing in a football match everyone around you will be encouraging you.

What is your best skill in football?

Unlike many other players, I can kick with both feet.

What skills do you learn on the pitch that you can apply off the pitch?

Teamwork, resilience and to always work hard.

What has been your greatest achievement as a football player so far?

Being offered a place in the Sunderland Regional Talent Centre, which is the girls’ equivalent of a boys’ academy.

Do you play for any teams outside of school?

I play for Sunderland U12s RTC and for the U13 Newcastle District Girls’ team.

What is the most important aspect of being a member of a team?

To be supportive and to be friendly with them off the pitch to have a better connection on the pitch.

Which football team do you support?

Newcastle United, I’ve got a season ticket, even though I play for Sunderland!

Can you give an example of when you overcame adversity as a football player?

COVID was definitely a setback, but I kept on practising with my brother in the garden.

What has been your favourite football moment?

Scoring a freekick with my left foot in the top corner for Newcastle district.

If you could change one thing about football, what would it be?

Nothing, I love it the way it is.

Who is your biggest role model in football?

Beth Mead because she played for Sunderland and then became the top scorer at the Euros, and my brother and Miss Gibson of course!

What is the best advice someone gave you about playing football?

Keep your eye on the ball! My dad used to say this after every match, or still does...

Football is a popular sport for women and girls, what do you want girls to learn from you?

Don’t listen to the boys in the playground, you can play football, often better than them.

How do you balance playing sport against academic work?

I organise my week by setting homework days when I try to do most of my homework, and I sometimes use the school library before and after school.

What are your goals for your football career?

I want to be an England player, a Lioness!

What do you think it takes to be a successful football player?

A lot of hard work and resilience to become a professional.

If someone told you that you couldn’t play football because you are a girl, what would you say to them?

Get a life! And I’ll prove them wrong on the pitch.

BURSARY APPEAL

Towards 150 and Beyond Opening doors, hearts and minds since 1876 Be part of our next 150 years – give the gift of opportunity

Since we opened our doors in 1876, we have made the education of girls our priority, and our bursaries have made this education accessible to girls from all walks of life for nearly 150 years. Bursaries are embedded in our history, and we are committed to the advancement of women’s rights and equality through education. Bursaries help overcome the hurdles imposed by economic circumstance and break down the barriers to achievement faced by girls and young women. 15% of pupils at NHSG Senior School today are in receipt of a bursary award. This far exceeds the national average across the independent school sector of just over 1.5%. It is the extraordinary generosity, foresight and understanding of our school community that makes this possible.

We are immensely proud of our distinguished history and of our important contribution to the education and emancipation of women. Since our earliest foundation in 1876, we have withstood some extraordinary challenges. War, pandemics, economic depression, strikes, nuclear threat and immense social change have all been met with the adaptability, courage, kindness and resilience that have characterised our schools. We are proud of the intelligent, fearless young women we have taught, who grasped the opportunities offered to them. These women have come from all walks of life.

Since we first opened our doors, bursaries have been fundamental to the ethos of the school. Hundreds of girls since have received their education here thanks to financial assistance. Our bursary programme remains an integral part of our School today and it is our mission to continue to make this educational opportunity accessible to girls and young women with potential and determination. We want to do this for even more pupils in the future – regardless of their economic circumstances or other hurdles they may face. We are enormously grateful for the generosity of the individuals and organisations who have made it possible for us to teach, inspire and enable generations of bright, talented young women whatever their backgrounds. We are committed to continuing this opportunity. Bursaries do transform lives and can have a lasting impact on social mobility and outcomes. To the individuals that receive them, bursaries offer a lifechanging opportunity; to the School community, our bursary holders bring different life experiences, perspectives and ideas. Our campaign mission is to open doors, hearts and minds. A NHSG education offers access to an education founded on excellence, integrity, opportunity, individuality, family and community which makes a brighter future for everyone. If you believe in the importance of girls’ education like we do, then please consider making a gift to secure bursary places for future generations.

To find out more please contact our Philanthropy Manager, Polly De Giorgi on 0191 201 6549 or at p.degiorgi@ncl.gdst.net

To make a donation please scan this QR code or visit the GDST’s giving page at: www.gdst.net/donate/Newcastle and select Newcastle High School for Girls.