Ellen White's groundbreaking journey from grassroots football sensation to reigning Women's EURO champion

09 August 2023 , 07:51

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National Lottery funding helped players like Ellen White along the path to footballing glory

Despite not being able to crawl or kick her first football, the youngest member of the Lionesses has already received her first national strip. After all, when your mum is Ellen White, England women’s all-time record goalscorer, football is in your genes.

“We went into camp and the squad met her and gave her a little shirt, which was cute,” recalls Ellen, 34, of that first meeting between the squad and her newborn daughter.

But it isn’t just her own little girl that Ellen is hoping to inspire - there’s a whole generation of young women looking to the European Champion as a role model.

“It’s been incredible how much football has changed since I first played,” says the striker.

“Even since we won the Euros, interest in the women’s game has exploded. We’ve seen more than 200 new teams formed at a grassroots level, which is phenomenal.”

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Ellen wants to see more young people go out and enjoy playing grassroots football

The growth doesn’t come without a cost though. “The influx of young girls wanting to play is amazing, but funding is crucial to provide for the new interest,” says Ellen.

Thanks to National Lottery players, over £50m has gone to women’s football over the past 10 years.

Ellen experienced the benefits first-hand when she was a Junior Gunner at Arsenal.

“It helped pay for my strength and conditioning training as well as transport to and from coaching,” she recalls. “It was a real boost to my development as a player.

“Being part of a team is so special. I’m really excited to see more young people go out and enjoy the sport that I love.”

To find out how your numbers make amazing happen, visit national-lottery.co.uk/life-changing

George Gaston