The Albion Foundation hosted the Utilita EFL Girls’ Cup Area Stage on Wednesday, welcoming over 100 participants to the Academy Dome.
St Michael’s CE High School fought off competition from nine other local schools to earn the right to represent Albion at the EFL Girls’ Cup Regional Stage.
The winners of this competition will go on to represent the club in the Regional and National phases of the competition, where they will face schools representing other League clubs – the competition culminates in a grand final played before the EFL Trophy Final at Wembley.
Aaliyah Browne, Female Engagement Lead at the Foundation, believes the day was successful and helped spur inspiration amongst participants.
“The day ran very smoothly,” Browne said. “We had lots of matches, there was a lot of fierce competition throughout the day and it was a great atmosphere overall.
“Throughout the day St Michael’s played very well. A few years ago, they won the area finals, it’s great to see them back.
“They have a lot of talent, and they competed at a high level. That said, the whole competition was really good.
“It’s really important to have days like this, because it’s important that we showcase women’s football. Especially at young ages, there are a lot more schools enhancing passion for football.
“It’s an area that’s growing and something that we’re trying to help as a Foundation. Just representing West Brom is a big thing as well.
“Not many girls get to see this side of things when representing a club, so it’s nice and especially to get to Wembley. To see where the Lionesses play, it might just give them the inspiration they need to start their football journey.”