Millwall Lionesses duo Kayda Townsend and Kanita Throp visited Drumbeat School in Brockley to deliver an engaging session focused on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) as part of Millwall Community Trust’s Premier League Inspires programme.
The visit began with an assembly led by Millwall Community Trust’s Premier League Inspires Lead, Eve van’t Hoff, where pupils had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Townsend and Throp shared their personal journeys in football, discussing their experiences as players and offering an insight into life as part of the Millwall Lionesses squad. The duo also took part in a question-and-answer session, allowing pupils to ask questions and learn more about their careers in the game.
Following the assembly, the players took to the hall to help coach a practical football session, giving pupils the opportunity to develop their skills while enjoying time with the Lionesses duo.
The visit concluded with Townsend and Throp signing autographs and posing for photographs with the children, creating lasting memories of an enjoyable and educational experience.
Through the Premier League Inspires programme, Millwall Community Trust continues to use the power of football to engage young people, encourage positive attitudes and promote important messages around equality, diversity and inclusion.
Eve van’t Hoff, MCT’s Premier League Inspires Officer, said: “Black History Month provides an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black people, while educating young people about the importance of equality and inclusion.
“It was fantastic to welcome Kayda and Kanita to Drumbeat School to share their journeys in football and show the pupils that, regardless of their background, they should feel empowered to follow their ambitions.
“We hope the session encouraged the children to celebrate their differences, respect one another and feel inspired by the opportunities available to them.”
Kayda Townsend and Kanita Throp said: “We really enjoyed visiting Drumbeat School and spending time with the children.
“It was great to share our experiences as footballers, answer their questions and get involved in the football session. Black History Month is an important time to celebrate diversity, recognise the people who have paved the way for others and remind young people that they can achieve anything they put their minds to.
“Hopefully, we inspired some of the children to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.”
Two of the students added: “I enjoyed learning new skills and I liked meeting the coaches.
"I enjoyed the football, my favourite part was the back-and-forth passing.”
