As the Lionesses take part in Euros 2025, we celebrate another crew of fantastic female footballers…
We were thrilled to be invited to a truly special fundraiser recently at Cardinal Wiseman school in Greenford. Mr Conor Ryan, Catholic Life lead for the school, set up a girls’ school football tournament – with a difference!
Mr Ryan tells us:
‘I named the tournament the ‘Father Barry French Cup’, after an inspiring priest I knew growing up in Ealing.’
A new team spirit
Instead of school versus school, Mr Ryan ensured that this football fundraising event raised awareness of Catholic charities in England and Wales.
‘The schools participating will be mixed and represent a Catholic charity rather than their school. This is to increase social interaction, develop an understanding of the charity and boost team building.’
Raising awareness
The tournament took place between four local Catholic schools in the area, with Catholic charities Missio, Mary’s Meals, the Jesuit Refugee service and St Vincent de Paul’s being represented. Mr Ryan explained:
‘The hope is that we can make this a yearly event so more students will be made aware of four Catholic charities they can support and volunteer for in their lives. The school has done many donations and support campaigns for Missio in the past, so anything I can do to raise awareness of the charity with this event, I will.’
Izzy, who attended the match on Missio’s behalf, says:
‘I arrived at Cardinal Wiseman school in the morning and was met with sunshine and a warm welcome by all the organisers. One of the matches was already underway when I got to the pitch, and the students competing and Year 9 coaches were already very stuck into in the tournament. Each and every match was high energy and exciting; the standard of play was fantastic!’
New friendships and raised awareness
The 11 girls in the ‘Missio squad’ were complete strangers when they met in the morning; but their Catholic faith would be the one commonality, rather than their schools. Mr Ryan explained that the focus of the tournament was ‘dialogue, team building and unity’ – very much an expression of our vision and mission around the world! Izzy observed:
‘The girls went from being quite reserved with one another at the start of the tournament to being a tight knit team, having half-time huddles and coming up with new strategies.’
In the end, the winners of the tournament were Mary’s Meals, with Missio coming runner up with only one less goal! Izzy shares:
‘The girls were all lovely and enthusiastic – and very keen to talk about the Red Box and what they are hopeful for in this Jubilee year. All in all, it was an amazing tournament, and I hope that it continues for many years to come!’
A huge thank you to Mr Ryan and Cardinal Wiseman School for organising such a special event, and to all the schools who took part! Your example of unity through faith is truly inspiring – not to mention your football skills!