On Thursday 23rd November, FIFA International and PGMOL match official Emily Carney visited Woodhey to talk to students across school about her career.
Emily ran workshops for students in every year group, talking to students about the challenges she has faced across her career. Emily talked to students openly and honestly about challenges in relation to discrimination she has faced, operating in a male-dominated industry, the challenges faced by females in sport due to their menstrual cycles, the imposter syndrome she has suffered being a female in sport, and learning from her mistakes throughout her career. Students learned about the impact of discrimination, how to be an ally, and how their actions and words can both harm and support others. Emily shared how she has overcome these challenges to achieve real success, sharing tales from Wembley and the Nou Camp, and stories about officiating in the European Championships, Champions League, Women's Super League and the EFL.
Students were given the opportunity to ask Emily questions, with questions such as her best game, how to tackle discrimination, and how to support someone who is suffering discrimination.
Noah shared afterwards: 'It was great to hear from such an inspirational athlete. It was interesting to hear about the impact of people's words and how we can support each other to be kind to each other. I took away lots of ideas that I can use to overcome my challenges to try and be successful as Emily.'
