Establishing an inclusive space

Natasha is the Community and Events Coordinator for Creating Chances and Football United. She was introduced to Football United’s festivals at the FIFA Foundation Festival and Football Fair Play Tournament in Russia during the 2018 Men’s World Cup, as a Young Leader Delegate. Natasha recalls the connections made during that time had a profound effect on her as those bonds had lasting impact during the festival, and for the years to follow.

A passion for the game drew Natasha to volunteer as a coach with Football United in 2012 and since then Natasha has contributed much to the Football United and Creating Chances community.

She believes that, “…seeing the development within many aspects of young people, and the people around you, and the inspiration they bring, is something that I haven’t been able to see from sports development or any other sports I’ve been involved in over the years.”

Natasha’s passion and drive is showcased in her determination to achieve gender equity throughout her work. She advocates for an arena in which governing bodies establish a respectful environment where young women feel welcomed and feel they can be a part of the game. She hopes to leave a legacy that, “helps to empower young women to be able to step up, take a role in leadership, to not be afraid to let their voices be heard, and to fight for what’s right.”

Natasha’s commitment to providing opportunities to youth stems from her belief in the power of young people. She supports the idea of giving young people a “platform to change their own narrative,” so they are given the chance to “lead and to develop themselves,” in order, “to thrive and to shine.”

Looking forward, Natasha would like to see more diversity across sports in general with the hopes of this example mirroring into sports development programs to, “create a better playing field for all.”