For International Women’s Day (8th of March) I was delighted to nominate one of our constituents to the Prime Minister’s Downing Street reception. Kaitlynn Eldrett, a 15-year-old from Childs Hill, was recognised for her inspirational work setting up the first girls football team at Whitefield School.
When Kaitlynn started secondary school, she went to a football session aimed at getting more girls involved in the sport only to find she was one of only two girls who showed up. Not to be deterred, she undertook leadership training the following year and at the end of Year 9, created ‘She Can Play’, to encourage girls to get involved in sports. It has been a resounding success.
The Prime Minister mentioned Kaitlynn in his reception speech, which paid tribute to the efforts of all the women in attendance who have ‘planted the seeds to transform the future’. Kaitlynn’s success is a testament to both the support of a strong, nurturing community of women and her own drive and brilliance.
After the event, Kaitlynn’s mum Kayleigh said that ‘as a single mum, to see [her] daughter recognised for all her hard work by the Prime Minister was a once in a lifetime opportunity.’
Kaitlynn and the Prime Minister chatted about their mutual love of football, though it appears they had to agree to disagree on the best team – Kaitlynn is a big Chelsea fan, whilst the Prime Minister is a known Arsenal lover. Had I been there, I would, of course, have rounded off the North-West London checklist by advocating for Spurs.
Kaitlynn is now playing for Camden Town Women’s League and has also earned her Hertfordshire FA Coaching Award. She is one of many exceptional women in Finchley and Golders Green who continue to inspire our community. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.