Accrington Stanley Women FC (ASWFC) are proud to announce an inspiring international venture, as seventeen of the club’s young women and girls prepare to travel to Ghana this July for a bespoke sports coaching and cultural exchange programme.
The three-week tour, developed in partnership with GAP360 and local Ghanaian academies, will provide players with the opportunity to take part in an intensive sports coaching initiative, deliver community coaching sessions, and develop essential leadership and life skills through hands-on experience.
As part of the trip, the squad is also set to play an international friendly against one of Ghana’s national women’s teams — potentially the senior, U21 or U23 side — offering a unique competitive and cultural experience. The group will depart on 2 July.
“This is about so much more than football performance,” said Sami Smithson, Chairwoman of Accrington Stanley Women FC. “The benefit of voluntary work will really help the girls in their future development. Going to Ghana to hone their coaching skills, work with different children, experience a new culture and adapt to the challenges of living abroad will create memories and lessons that last a lifetime.
“We’re committed to developing these young women as individuals — building their confidence, leadership and resilience so they can go on to have long, successful careers, whatever path they choose, and continue to make a positive impact in society. I’m incredibly proud and excited for what lies ahead. This trip represents the start of something special for our club and our players.”
The initiative will be led by Olivia Knight and Lily Edmondson, who will take pivotal leadership roles in planning and delivering the tour, reflecting ASWFC’s commitment to empowering its players as future female leaders both on and off the pitch.
Olivia Knight, one of the original members of Accrington Stanley Women & Girls, said: “I’ve just completed my BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development, so to apply the knowledge learnt to the children in Ghana is going to be one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I am looking forward to seeing the different cultures and challenges which will help me see the world in a broader way.”
Lily Edmondson, first-team captain, added: “I am really excited to be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Myself and the team are really looking forward to going out there and meeting the young Ghanaians, helping them develop their footballing skills whilst developing our coaching and leadership skills too. As well as the coaching, we are also looking forward to the weekend excursions, experiencing a different culture and learning about their traditions.”
To support the trip, ASWFC will soon launch a series of fundraising activities aimed at covering travel and programme costs, ensuring every player can participate. The club is also seeking local businesses and sponsors interested in partnering with the team on this landmark journey.
“We’re inviting companies and supporters to get behind our women and girls,” added Smithson. The trip also holds special significance for Smithson, who previously volunteered in Kenya in 2018, gaining first-hand experience of the power of sport in connecting communities. That experience helped inspire the club’s commitment to offering similar opportunities for its players today. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent our club and community on an international stage — and to help inspire the next generation of women in sport.”
