International Women’s Day 2023: Abigail, Girls United

We’re proud to shine the spotlight on some of the inspirational women who have dedicated their time and passion to the community organisations in our network, improving young lives through sport.

Abigail Ingram, Girls United

Tell us a bit about your role and the organisation you work with.

I am the London Manager within Girls United. My role is to support and oversee our London team of programme leads, marketing and communication lead (London specific), our coaching workforce and volunteers.

I joined in September 2019, roughly a year after the Girls United London launch. At the time there were seven sessions a week and around 50 girls involved. At the beginning, I myself coached at nearly all sessions and attended almost every event.

We now have a team of 7 contracted staff in London and nearly 15 sessional staff. Within London we deliver over 35 sessions a week, and this season to date have worked with over 600 young women and girls aged 5- 17 years old. Activities I get to be a part of can vary from attending major matches (thanks StreetGames for the cup final tickets at Selhurst!) through to our events at TOCA Social and playing at Wembley.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A chance to celebrate achievement by bringing together individuals globally to highlight positives, but also provide a voice to those challenges that women and girls face.

It can be a really empowering space, one that can shed light on inspirational change and actions from those within the community and beyond.

It’s also an opportunity to share the work we do at Girls United, and that of other amazing organisations, with those close to myself and allies and supporters of our work. Being able to do that in such a moment provides us with further encouragement to continue.

What was your favourite sports moment in the past year?

Of course, as a football organisation and a football fan, England winning the Women’s EURO provided so much momentum and inspiration.

Who is your sporting hero?

From growing up – Kelly Smith, former Arsenal and England forward

Current sporting hero – Leah Williamson, Arsenal defender and current England captain