Football Beyond Borders is breaking the grass ceiling

“It was such a privilege to work alongside the girls on the FBB programmes to make this film," notes LOOSE. "The girls helped steer the storyline from the minute I received the brief. I hope this led to something that feels authentic to their words and experience. During the first workshop, we asked the girls what excuses they had against playing a game of football. They had none… no excuses! This hit me hard and is SUCH a different outlook to my own experience as a teenage girl. 

"This led us to create something that isn’t a sob story or about stereotypes, but is living proof that a new era of girls sport is fun, doesn’t dictate your entire personality and ultimately, proves that it’s ok to be a girl that does both. The outlook of the girls is such a merit to the power of FBB and the impact that they’re having on women’s sport already.”

“The battle for inclusivity is still not done and frankly, girls deserve better," adds Head of Brand at Football Beyond Borders Ceylon Andi Hickman. "The upcoming World Cup provides a critical platform for the women’s game which is why we’re shining a light on why it’s still so challenging for every girl to play. We know firsthand that football can be crucial in helping young girls stay in school and build their confidence which is why we need people to support initiatives that dismantle the barriers and exclude girls from the sport they want to play. 

"The government can’t stop at a one-off burst of funding until 2025, because what happens after those two years are up? They’ve made the right first step but more needs to be done to support the next generation.”