Newquay Native Katie Robinson’s journey to the Women’s World Cup
The youngest Lioness in England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, Katie Robinson, has made the journey all the way from Newquay to Australia and New Zealand, supported along the way by investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
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The Brighton and Hove Albion forward Katie kicked off her playing career in Cornwall with Newquay AFC at Newquay Tretherras School before travelling across the South West to hone her skills at Devon FA Girls’ Centre of Excellence at Ivybridge Community College.
Like more than half of the Lionesses representing England in the World Cup this summer, the grassroots facilities Katie played on have been supported by the Premier League, The FA and Government through the Football Foundation.
Katie’s school, grassroots club and Development Centre have benefitted from a total of over £900,000 in grant funding from the Foundation since 2004 to create and sustain top-quality 3G and grass pitches.
Despite reaching the very top of the game playing as a pacey winger in the Women's Super League for both the Seagulls and Bristol City, Katie remains closely connected to her grassroots beginnings, still regularly visiting the school and helping to inspire the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
Julia Humphreys, Inclusion Manager at Newquay Tretherras School and Katie’s auntie, said:
“Katie always had a ball at her feet when she was growing up. As soon as she was walking, she was kicking a ball. The facilities at Newquay Tretherras School have been really helpful for Katie. She feels comfortable here because she grew up on that 3G pitch so she still comes up to train on it when she’s home.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:
“Katie Robinson and the rest of the Lionesses are an inspiration to anyone in Cornwall who wants to lace up their boots – whether it’s their dream to represent their country in the World Cup or they simply want to enjoy the game with their friends.
“Thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is investing more money than ever into supporting the grassroots game. As part of our Here to Play campaign, every facility the Foundation funds will be designed with women and girls as a forethought, not an afterthought, to help ensure everyone has access to great places to play.”
To celebrate its Here to Play commitment and to honour the legacy of the Lionesses, the Foundation will be naming a new facility after each of the UEFA Women’s EURO-winning England squad, beginning with The Jill Scott Pitch in Jarrow and The Ella Toone Pitch in Wigan – both of which opened earlier this year.
Vicky Fisher, Coach Development Officer, England Football and Katie’s former coach, said:
“Football is a game for all, and we want everyone to have an opportunity to play. Without the Football Foundation, we simply wouldn’t have those opportunities in Cornwall. Katie’s a great role model and these facilities allow every single player that opportunity to live the dream that she did.”