Norfolk FA Inclusive Football Festival for Girls
Ex-England and GB stars, Gemma and Laura Wiseman set to Support Norfolk FA’s First Inclusive Festival for Girls
Gemma and Laura Wiseman both started off their football journeys at an early age where their families encouraged them to take up the sport. The girls have played for a number of local clubs, including Norfolk FA teams, Mulbarton Belles, Thorpe United and Wymondham Town Ladies. Their biggest achievements have come whilst playing internationally with the England and GB deaf squads. The combined medal haul between the two girls is an incredible 11 bronze medals which covers competitions such as the World Deaf Futsal Championship, Deaf World Cup, European Deaf Futsal Championship and the Deaf World Cup.
Laura Wiseman
Football Idol - I look up to Kelly Smith, she's my idol and she's a legend for women's football.
Biggest Achievement in Football - My biggest achievement has got to be winning the bronze medal vs Poland in the World cup in 2016. I was the second joint top goal scorer and in the team of the tournament. My other biggest achievement is receiving six England FA caps and an Olympic bronze medal.
Career Highlights
- England - World Deaf Futsal Championship 2007 - Bulgaria - Bronze
- England - Deaf World Cup 2008 - Greece - Bronze
- Great Britain - Deaflympics 2009 - Taiwan - Bronze
- England - European Deaf Futsal Championship 2010 - Switzerland - 5th
- Great Britain - European Football Championship 2011 - Bulgaria - Bronze
- England - World Deaf Futsal Championship 2011 - Sweden - 5th
- Great Britain - Deaflympics 2013 - Bulgaria - Bronze
- England - European Deaf Futsal Championship 2014 - Bulgaria - Bronze
- England - World Deaf Fustal Championship 2015 - Thailand - 5th
- Great Britain - Deaf World Cup 2016 - Italy - Bronze
Gemma Wiseman
Football Idol - I like David Beckham, I used to love spice girls and Victoria was going out with David so I started to look up to him.
Biggest Achievement in Football – My biggest achievement is winning Bronze in Italy and it was the best team. We gave everything in those games, and it meant a lot to all of us. My other biggest achievements are getting the England FA caps and Olympic medal.
Career Highlights
- Great Britain - European Football Championship 2011 - Bulgaria - Bronze
- England - World Deaf Futsal Championship 2011 - Sweden - 5th
- Great Britain - Deaflympics 2013 - Bulgaria - Bronze
- England - European Deaf Futsal Championship 2014 - Bulgaria - Bronze
- England - World Deaf Fustal Championship 2015 - Thailand - 5th
- Great Britain - Deaf World Cup 2016 - Italy - Bronze
Laura Wiseman said: “For those who not sure about trying football, there's no pressure playing, enjoy it while you can.
It's important for girls to have a role model so they can see that we can do it, and nothing is stopping us from playing the sport we love.”
Gemma Wiseman added: “Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart.
It's important to have the girls look up to as role models, so they can prove them wrong and be able to play the sport that they enjoy.”
Gemma and Laura will be attending Norfolk FA’s first Inclusive Football Festival for Girls. The festival is designed to give girls the opportunity to play in a safe and fun environment where they feel comfortable and well-supported. Football is a game for everyone and whether you want to aspire to become the next Laura or Gemma Wiseman, or simply get out and enjoy football, we are here to provide that opportunity.
The festival is taking place at The FDC Norfolk on Saturday 25th September – 2pm-3.30pm. The festival welcomes girls from the ages of 5-11 years. All abilities are welcome.
To register your interest for the festival, please following the below link and complete the expression of interest form.
Norfolk Football, a game for everyone.