We are thrilled that Clapton CFC coaches Ellie Guedalla and Julie Leaff have been honoured by the London FA!
Ellie and Julie are the co-founders and coaches of Clapton Community FC ‘Open Access’ team and training, for women and non-binary people of all ages, targeting beginners, those returning to the game or have been marginalised from football.
They set up the session back in 2019, running sessions every Saturday morning rain or shine. They are complete volunteers and do this because they care about giving women and non-binary people access to the beautiful game.
Since setting up Open Access, Ellie and Julie have coached over 300 people, fielded five-a-side teams in the Super 5 League and have run a several tournaments and in doing so, have raised money for charity.
They have also developed several players into CCFC’s development and first teams. Ellie and Julie’s impact has extended beyond on the pitch skills, they have done something amazing by making football accessible to women and non-binary people who felt like football wasn’t open to them.
Congratulations to Ellie and Julie on their Lioness award.
Ellie wanted to thank Jenni Whitaker and the Open Access players who nominated her and Julie for the award.