Charlotte Richardson, Founder of the Eighth Wonder Programme, writes about her journey and discovery of her passion for football. She specifically focuses on how volunteering plays an integral part in pursuing a career in any aspect of sport. “I started watching football with my Dad when I was eight years old. I enjoyed the buzz of going to matches and as the years wore on, I learnt more about the game itself and enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone about football.” Charlot

Laurel Collins is the Chairwoman for Kent FA’s award winning Youth Council. Besides this, she is a qualified referee, Football Futures leader, coach and player, who has helped develop the Eighth Wonder so more young people like her, can have opportunities in the game. Laurel identified her love of the game from the age of 12 and realised she wanted to pursue a career in the area she was passionate about. “My family and friends started asking me about my future, and what area

To mark the start of FA Girls Football Week, the Eighth Wonder programme is delighted to announce Olympic Gold Medallist Charlotte Evans MBE has confirmed she will be attending our kick-off development day for 14-20-year-old girls on Friday 28 October. As a Kent Sports Trust ambassador, Charlotte will be popping down to Ditton to support the first group of Eighth Wonder girls, giving a fascinating and unique insight into her relationship and career in sport. Charlotte is a Br

This week’s #femaleflashlight is Gemma Avery. Gemma works in marketing and communications, having worked at Burnley FC, she has very recently transfer to Arsenal FC. Gemma begun to understand what she was capable of at the age of 23. “I realised that I could use my strong skills in marketing and media within an environment that I loved - football! As someone who has worked in a range of industries, I wanted to do something that I had a real passion for and that I could enjoy