Freya has always been football crazy. Having started playing at the age of 4 she now plays with QPR and Watford. However, her ability and confidence on the pitch hasn’t always carried across to her school life.

The Trust started working with Freya at Rabbsfarm Primary School in September 2022 through the Premier League Primary Stars Programme. By creating an environment that enabled Freya to build her confidence and thrive the results translated across all aspects of her school life.

Brentford FC CST Primary Stars Coordinator Rory Knibbs reflects, “When I first came to the school Freya was very talented at football. She was already in the boys' team and the girls' team, so we knew that it would be great to get her involved in our Primary Stars football sessions that we do with the girls' team.

“Freya initially struggled socially, so we decided that an environment where we could get training in the mornings and she could interact with all her teammates would be best for her to develop.”

Nearly two years on Freya’s progress on and off the pitch has been noticed throughout the school as she has developed social and communication skills which have enabled her to thrive.

Miss Lane, Head of PE at Rabbsfarm Primary School credits Primary Stars for giving Freya the confidence to engage and interact with new people.

“Freya has always had the skill. I don't think that there's a lot that we've been able to teach her in terms of how to play football. But I think the biggest thing that's come from Primary Stars is her confidence in herself and confidence in her abilities and skills.

“Freya was always a very shy pupil. Coming to me in Year 5 last year, I could see her starting to blossom, and I think the pinnacle moment was this year when we went to a tournament at Crystal Palace. For one of the activities the pupils had to group with children from lots of different schools, and the first thing they were told to do was introduce themselves to each other and think of a group name for their team. I remember turning to Rory and saying, ‘Freya is going to hate this!’ because she doesn't like to be in those situations.

“Freya immediately put her arms around these strangers and grouped everyone in and made everyone go around and introduce themselves. That is where we have seen her grow in confidence and has been the biggest thing.”

Freya’s progression has seen her take on new roles and responsibilities at school whilst also becoming captain of the girls’ team. Premier League Primary Stars has helped Freya unlock new skills which will stay with her forever, whether that is on the football pitch or in other aspects of her life.

For more information about Premier League Primary Stars click here.