PLAY HER WAY

Play Her Way is a bespoke mentoring and football development programme funded by the Premier League and The PFA, and created to support girls to thrive on the pitch, in school and in life.

Built as a dedicated girls-only adaptation of our long-running Strike a Change programme, Play Her Way provides a safe, empowering space where girls can share their experiences openly, grow in confidence and develop their passion for football without limitation.

Our Story

For over six years, in Cyrille’s memory, we have delivered Strike a Change across the West Midlands, supporting 72-82 young people each year aged 14-15 who demonstrate a passion for football and face challenges within their school experience.

The programme is delivered in partnership with six West Midlands football club foundations: West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Walsall and Birmingham City, making us the only programme of its kind to bring regional club foundations together in collaboration.

Through weekly sessions and regular collective gatherings at stadiums and training grounds, young people engage in mentoring, football activity and inspirational talks from leaders across football, community and business, showing them that they can dream big, aim high and overcome obstacles.

Why Play Her Way?

While girls have always taken part in Strike a Change, we recognised the importance of creating a space designed specifically around girls’ needs.

Play Her Way was developed to:
• Allow girls to share their experiences openly and confidently
• Address safeguarding considerations in mixed-gender football environments
• Support girls to engage fully in football while receiving tailored mentoring and guidance

Play Her Way represents the positive growth of Strike a Change, listening to young people and evolving to meet them where they are.

The Programme

Play Her Way is a 24-week pilot programme, delivered during school term time. Launched in May 2025 and concluding in January 2026, the programme currently supports 30 girls across the West Midlands and is proudly funded by the Premier League and The PFA.

The curriculum is built around The Cyrille Standard, focusing on personal development, wellbeing and leadership through football:

THE CYRILLE STANDARD



Character

Authentically YOU: Growing Bold Character in a Loud World



Believe in YOURSELF

Believe in Yourself (woven throughout every module)



Resilience

Unbreakable: A Girl’s Guide to Strength, Courage and Resilience



Integrity

Integrity: Your Strongest Skill



Learning

Learning About Yourself and Growing in Confidence



Leadership

Courage to Lead



Endurance

StrongHer: Endurance Edition

Sessions explore themes such as managing anxiety, building confidence and self-esteem, developing resilience on and off the pitch, and navigating the challenges girls face in football and everyday life.

The programme will conclude with a celebration and enrichment event at St George’s Park.

This special day will bring together the girls and foundation staff for coaching activations led by St George’s Park coaches and an inspirational talk from a current or former player, sharing their personal journey through football and beyond.

Once evaluated, our aim is to secure future funding to continue the delivery of this much-needed programme

Programmes like Play Her Way are crucial. Our experiences as females can sometimes feel isolating and challenging. So, creating a space here, we can be open, transparent and gain support from others who are on the same journey.

Hope Powell CBE, Former Footballer & Broadcaster