This national recognition celebrates the visionary work of Paul Ryan and India Hollingworth, who have co-created a seamless, inclusive football pathway for girls across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, starting with KS1 enrichment and continuing through to structured secondary school leagues.

A Full-Circle Pathway That’s Changing Lives

Through strategic partnerships, inclusive programming and smart competition design, SHAPE has:

• Tripled girls’ participation in primary football competitions
• Doubled school engagement across the region
• Created safe, supportive spaces for girls to explore football with confidence
• Delivered live CPD for teachers through flagship events like the Biggest Ever Football Session
• Piloted secondary school leagues to sustain participation and ease transition

From KS1 enrichment festivals to CPD and community-linked leagues, every step of the pathway is designed to remove barriers and empower girls to start and continue their football journey.

A Model for National Impact

“This award isn’t just a celebration of what’s been achieved, it’s a call to keep going,” said Paul Ryan, Strategic Lead for SHAPE. “We’re building a system where every girl has equal access to football from the very start and where schools feel supported to deliver high-quality, inclusive experiences.”

India Hollingworth added, “We’ve seen first-hand how confidence grows when girls are given space, structure and support. This pathway is about legacy and we’re proud to share it nationally.”

What’s Next

SHAPE will continue to scale its impact by:

• Expanding the GO Coach and GO Ref programmes to diversify KS4 girls’ engagement
• Deepening insights through the Equal Access survey campaign
• Develop the journey into community grassroot clubs and talent identification programmes

We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to every school, coach and pupil who helped make it possible.