Uefa Launches Women’s Docu-series
UEFA has released video trailers of a bold new women’s football mini-documentary series focusing on the back-stories of Europe’s most successful players.
The ‘Strong is’ series of three short films documents the journeys of the most distinguished players and personalities in the women’s game, dealing with subjects ranging from personal tragedy and injury trauma, mental health, sexuality, and self- confidence.
Swedish captain Nilla Fischer, PFA Player of the Year and Chelsea forward Fran Kirby; and current UEFA Women’s Euro champion Shanice van de Sanden of the Netherlands are among the players featured.
The series is being released to coincide with the latest round of UEFA European qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019. It forms part of UEFA’s wider #WePlayStrong campaign – the frontline of the European football governing body’s five-year strategy to make football the number one sport for girls and women in countries across the continent.
The new films address the on- and off-field challenges each player has had to overcome in their journey, tackling “real-life issues” in line with what UEFA describes as a “fundamental pillar” of its strategy to increase participation and awareness of women’s football. It follows the success of UEFA’s ‘Press Play’ day-in-the-life vlog series which has attracted more than five million views since January.
Peter Willems, UEFA head of marketing activities and sponsorship, explained: “Our Strong Is… series is an integral part of the wider Together #WePlayStrong campaign and is a platform for us to send an important message to young girls across Europe.
“Participating in football can offer girls increased confidence and self-esteem in life and is a place to find togetherness as a team and acceptance as an individual.
“Nilla, Fran and Shanice all have inspiring stories, and each has had to use their strength to overcome barriers in their career – whether that be a physical injury, mental health problem, standing up for what they believe or simply finding out who they are as an individual.
“These world-class footballers are not just extraordinary players, but role models for young girls, and it is our hope that their unique stories will inspire the next generation of footballers.”
Nilla Fischer, Wolfsburg and Swedish national team player, added: “Together #WePlayStrong is a fantastic initiative and encompasses everything that’s important to me about the game. I was really happy to share my journey as part of Strong Is … Football has allowed me to raise awareness of subjects that are important to me, and hopefully I will inspire others to be strong and confident in who they are.”
Fran Kirby, Chelsea forward and England international, continued: “It’s an honour to be part of UEFA’s Strong Is… documentary series and I’m grateful that they have given me a platform to discuss mental health within the game so openly. It’s a battle which many people face, and I hope that my film encourages girls and boys to talk about their own struggles.”
Shanice van de Sanden, Lyon and Netherlands professional, said of her involvement in the project: “UEFA’s campaign advocates self-expression and individuality, qualities which are important for young girls to embrace. I want to show girls across Europe that it’s okay not to follow the crowd, and I hope that my Strong Is… documentary inspires them to be who they want to be.”
Under its five-year strategic plan, UEFA hopes to attract more girls to play football by raising the profile of the women’s game, increasing visibility, engagement and investment and driving participation at grassroots level.
