Rachel Brown-Finnis inspires future female footballers at Burnley FC Women’s juniors event
The Leisure Box was abuzz with excitement as former England goalkeeper, Rachel Brown-Finnis, paid a special visit to the BFC Women’s Juniors football teams. Rachel was introduced to players and ‘future talent’ in the female football pathway of Burnley FC in the Community.
Rachel, who hails from Burnley and went to Nelson & Colne College, has been a lifelong supporter of the club and brought along some of her cherished football memorabilia to show. Among the items were her first-ever goalkeeper shirt and several of the England caps she received during her tenure. This was a rare and amazing opportunity for the players to see (and even touch!) the artifacts, providing a tangible connection to her journey and amazing achievements in the sport. She spoke about her career history and offered a glimpse into the life of a professional footballer.
“To be able to show of my love of football, to share some of it, the highs and the lows with those girls, has been a real privilege.”
Players were given the opportunity to ask Rachel questions, like who her childhood inspirations were (goalkeeper legend Peter Schmeichel), and later got involved in a quick-fire competition, demonstrating how to handle pressure both on and off the pitch!
Rachel also took the time to observe the training sessions for the U10s, U12s, U14s, and U16s teams; her presence on the sidelines gave the players the opportunity to showcase their skills. After watching several sessions, she was able to provide valuable feedback and encouragement to the young players.
When asked about the changes and progress made to the Women’s game, Rachel said, “It’s so heartwarming knowing that 30 years ago when I was a little kid, there was very limited opportunity… now you’re in the “hotbed” of the places to be in the country!”
Recently announced as a Community Ambassador for the EFL, when asked about her role Rachel spoke of the immense power football can have in communities:
“The power of football is sometimes immeasurable, sometimes measurable. But it empowers. It draws strength in people when certain people don’t think that they’ve got that strength. … football can really make that significant difference.
When I got the opportunity to become the Community Ambassador for the EFL…having been immersed in those programmes at work through Everton, it was something I was really passionate to get started on, to see the breadth and depth the programmes across the country, from all 72 Football League clubs”
Becky Clough, Female Football Development Officer at Burnley FC in the Community, reflected on the event and the importance of role models like Rachel, “It’s been a great evening and a privilege to have Rachel Brown Finnis here at The Leisure Box…It’s been an amazing experience just to listen to her story, get to know her as a person and the passion that she has… it’s also been great inspiration for the girls….it’s so empowering!”
