The local community gathered to support the start of the new girls’ football league season in Kings Lynn, an event marked by enthusiastic participation from local schools, players, and some residents from sister care homes Goodwins Hall and Amberley Hall.
Athena Care Homes, the parent company for both Goodwins Hall and Amberley Hall, is proud to be the main sponsor of the girls’ football league for the third consecutive year.
Athena has once again joined hands with Alive Kings Lynn Community Football to promote girls’ participation in the sport. The sponsorship underscores Athena’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, community engagement, and the development of young female athletes.
The league itself features teams from eight local schools around Kings Lynn, with the initiative aiming to encourage girls from Years 5 to 6 to get active, learn teamwork, and, most importantly, have fun. Thanks to Athena’s sponsorship, the league remains free to enter for the schools, ensuring accessibility for all. The matches are held at the modern 3G pitches at Lynnsport, allowing for play throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.
Grant Cotton, Football and Community Development Officer for Alive West Norfolk said it was really important to strike a balance between competition and enjoyment. “It’s about having the opportunity to play regardless of ability in a fun and supportive environment,” he said, reinforcing the league’s non-competitive yet spirited environment.
Grant added, “We are delighted to be working with Athena Care Homes on the girls’ school football leagues initiative for a third consecutive season. Athena’s support will certainly continue to break down barriers, making football accessible to many girls in West Norfolk. “
The opening event of the season saw active support from the residents of Amberley Hall and Goodwins Hall care homes with visiting residents and team members attending Alive’s annual football festival, enjoying the sunny weather and cheering on the young players.
For some, like Jackie, a resident at Amberley Hall, the event was particularly special. A former football player herself and an avid supporter of Liverpool and England, she was thrilled to see girls actively participating in the sport. Jackie and her fellow residents are eagerly looking forward to welcoming some of the players to the care homes during the season, further deepening the bond between the generations.
Residents from Goodwins Hall showed their support by making Athena Care Homes flags, adding a festive and supportive atmosphere to the matches. These gestures of encouragement highlight how the league is not just about football; it’s a community effort that brings people together.
James Eley, Marketing Manager at Athena Care Homes, added “Football and inclusivity are both important to our residents. When we had the opportunity to renew our support for the girls’ league for a third season, we jumped at the chance.
“We want our homes to be a central part of the community and leave a lasting impact, and this is just one of the ways we’re achieving that. We know many of the residents at Amberley Hall and Goodwins Hall are football fans and enjoyed welcoming the girls to our homes and seeing the league grow and progress.”
Athena Care Homes has introduced certificates of recognition this year with awards for good play, sportsmanship, teamwork, and more, highlighting the core values the league seeks to instil in its young players. The sponsorship exemplifies the positive role businesses can play in supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of community.
