Birmingham’s aspiring young footballers have praised the impact of the game on their lives following the success of a high-profile girls’ football tournament held in the city.
The football tournament took place at Tally Ho Grounds, the West Midlands Police training headquarters on Sunday 23 February, which bought together more than 230 young female players to showcase their talent and highlight the importance of grassroots football. Organised by Birmingham City Council, Community Safety Team and West Midlands Police, the tournament aimed to break down barriers that often side-line girls in football.
As part of the youth-led My Tomorrow campaign, the tournament highlighted the value of football in empowering women and girls while inspiring the next generation of players. Attendees were thrilled to see the prestigious UEFA European Championship trophy on display, and young Lionesses Teyah Goldie, Ashanti Akpan, Ruby Grant and Olivia McLoughlin who is originally from Birmingham, all provided encouragement and motivation to all the players.
Layla Warren was one of the girls who took part in the tournament and currently plays for a boys’ team, said; “Football has always been my escape, my therapy, and my source of confidence. No matter what was going on in my life, stepping onto the pitch made everything disappear. The game gave me a sense of purpose and control, especially during tough times.”
Multiple trophies and prizes were awarded to outstanding players, and all participants had the unique opportunity to impress talent scouts from local football clubs. Clubs including Aston Villa, Birmingham City FC, and West Bromwich Albion, alongside the Premier League and The Football Association, played a key role in supporting the event’s success.
Sara Feenan, who also played in the tournament, said: “We often face discrimination due to deeply rooted stereotypes and unequal opportunities within the sporting world. I think the My Tomorrow campaign will help the young girls that have been discouraged by the stereotypes. My gender doesn’t define the football I play; football is in my blood.”
Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “This tournament has been a fantastic example of how sport can transform lives. Football is more than just a game – it’s a powerful tool for confidence, inclusion, and opportunity. Seeing so many talented young women take to the pitch and showcase their skills has been truly inspiring.
We are committed to continuing our support for initiatives like this that empower our young people and build a brighter future for our communities.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, said the day was about so much more than football. “Football and sport in general can teach a whole range of life lessons. Learning how to deal with winning and losing, success and failure, the importance of hard work and practice and learning to look after yourself physically and mentally. We need to ensure that all girls have exactly the same access to football and sport as boys, whether at school or in clubs.
“I hope the girls left feeling empowered, encouraged, supported and inspired. I know many came as individuals and left as part of a team which is a fantastic legacy for the tournament.”
Inspector Jemma Connor-Iommi, who manages the GB Police National Team, said: “The success of this tournament stands as a testament to the power of football in transforming lives, building confidence, and creating pathways for young girls to thrive both on and off the pitch.”
