The inspirational football club helping everyone enjoy the beautiful game - as England captain Leah Williamson pays it a visit

Daily Mail​

5 hours ago

Ever been told football is a 'man's game'?
One up-and-coming footballer, Fleur Cousens, grew so sick of hearing this claim that she decided to start her own grassroots club dedicated to proving football didn't need to be gendered.
The young coach founded Goal Diggers FC in 2015, and it's since grown into a welcoming, vibrant community that gives everyone the chance to experience the joy of becoming part of a team, regardless of their ability or experience.
After all, football doesn't just build athletes, it builds futures. By helping individuals feel part of something bigger, it gives them the confidence and motivation to succeed in other areas of life too.
Fleur's success with Goal Diggers has attracted the attention of none other than England captain Leah Williamson OBE, who visited the club's base in north London to hear how they were helping more women take up football.
'It was me and 10 boys!' Fleur on how she began her coaching career
Going through any form of assessment can be daunting, but it's even more so when you stand out from everyone else taking part.
'When I did the coaching course it was just me with 10 teenage boys,' she says.
'I was able to show my skills - with respect to the teenage boys - and I started coaching right away.'
The footballing legend was recently named one of Weetabix's 'all-star' athletes joining Sir Mo Farah, Ade Adepitan MBE and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill to help the nation achieve their goals bix by bix, a role she's using to help further her mission of getting more women and girls into the beautiful game.
A video of the visit shows Fleur telling Leah about her inspiration for starting Goal Diggers, and how it's gone on to change her life.
'I was fed up of being told football was a man's game - so the whole point of Goal Diggers is to make sure that no one's ever told no,' she says.
'Football has the power to change lives. Goal Diggers is my world, it's my community, it's where I feel most myself.'
Meanwhile, other players share how the club has helped them find a community that now goes far beyond football, even though that's what brought them together.
The footballer is deeply impressed by Fleur's achievement, telling her: 'The power of football is that you're one of many, so to tap into that is fantastic.
'I think when I reflect on my career it will be the people I think about more than anything else.'
Goal Diggers is a shining example of what can happen when everyone is given the tools and support they need to achieve their ambitions.
The chance to start playing football in a supportive and friendly environment has proved popular, with the side now boasting more than 200 members.
Great starts are still central to Leah's success too, which is why she chooses Weetabix as her pre-match meal.
'A bit of Weetabix with milk suits me perfectly - I'm a plain girl anyway!' she tells Fleur while they break away from training to enjoy a bowl.
But while not all of us are running out for England, we are all facing our own challenges every single day. And to do so with confidence, with energy and focus, we can learn from the Weetabix all-stars about what everyday habits help them be the best they can.
From having a healthy breakfast to set you up for the day to joining in team sports to boost self-confidence and feel part of something bigger, there are many tips we can take from these top athletes.
And let's share their secrets!
Success is all about proper preparation, and by making Weetabix, part of this you can have a little bit of help to take on whatever the day brings**.
And, just like that, we can all help Britain chase its ambitions Bix by Bix.
Buy to send a FREE 24-pack of Weetabix* and give a great start to someone's day
Give a great start to someone's day: Send a FREE pack of Weetabix
Have you had your Weetabix? Feels amazing, doesn't it?
Now you can do your bit to help rebuild Britain Bix by Bix by gifting a free 24-pack of Weetabix to a friend or relative who could benefit from an extra boost during a busy week.
This could be anyone, from a friend who's training for a marathon to a parent wanting to feel energetic ahead of the school holidays.
All you need to do is buy a Weetabix 48 or 24-pack and scan the QR code on display. This will then allow you to choose who you want to send a free 24-pack.
Whoever it is, they'll be sure to thank you!
*Weetabix 48 pack or 24 pack, scan the QR code on the display or visit weetabixall-stars.co.uk to enter.
**Weetabix is a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, folic acid which contributes to normal psychological function as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Weetabix is a good source of Iron which contributes to normal cognitive function as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Weetabix is a good source of Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid and Iron which contribute to reduction of tiredness and fatigue as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.