England Launches National School Sport Partnership for Girls, Disabled

Kirsty Gilmour, a distinguished Scottish badminton player with multiple international titles, continues to compete at a high level at age 31 and aims for her fourth Olympic appearance at LA 2028. Her journey began early, influenced by family members involved in badminton, and she balanced elite training with education, overcoming social challenges as an LGBTQIA+ athlete. England's recent U21 Euro victory highlights a broader transformation in youth football, supported by football academies that blend sports training with education, often shifting players towards sport-focused qualifications after age 16. Lotte Wubben-Moy, an England football defender, has used her platform to promote equal access to school sports for girls, leading campaigns that influenced government policy to ensure equal sporting opportunities for all young people, including those with special needs and disabilities. This new initiative aims to foster physical and mental well-being through sport and build a stronger foundation for future female athletes. Together, these stories illustrate the evolving landscape of sports, education, and inclusivity both on and off the field.