Leeds United Women’s player Olivia Smart recently dropped by a Summer Grassroots Camp session held for budding female footballers at Elland Road.
Delivered by the Leeds United Foundation, the exciting morning saw a large number of youngsters from Calverley United JFC descend on the club’s stadium, to meet with the defender and chat about all things football.
The session kicked off as the children took part in a quiz all about Olivia and her career so far, before having the chance to ask any questions and pose for photographs.
Chloe Greenwood, Women & Girls Officer at the Leeds United Foundation, said: “Having Olivia join us was a remarkable opportunity for the girls on our Summer Grassroots Camp. Olivia provided the players with a unique insight into the life of a female athlete, and what it takes to succeed in sport.
“The players had the opportunity to ask Olivia some questions about her journey into sport, learning everything from her favourite pre-game meal to who inspired her to take part in football.
“Hearing that Olivia’s journey started with her playing for a boys’ team and the barriers she had to overcome to enable her to succeed left the players feeling proud of the opportunity that they have and inspired them to believe that anything is possible.”
After the session, the full-back was delighted to have attended the event, highlighting the importance for youngsters to feel connected to the club.
“There has been a lot of fun stuff for them to keep busy and enjoying football still in the off-season to keep them involved,” said Smart. “It is a great event because there are a lot of girls down here at Elland Road.
“I attended things like this when I was younger, so it is nice for them to be able to access football all year round. It is great for us to keep involved with the community and us being able to provide something for them makes their day.
“Access to women’s football is great from a community point of view. It means a lot for us to come and help them have a nice experience, because we were once those kids and that should never be a thing we forget. Having behind-the-scenes access to Elland Road is amazing for them and one or two of them in there might end up playing for Leeds United when they are older!”
More information about the Leeds United Foundation can be found HERE.
