‘Corrie’ stars join our grassroots football celebration on the cobbles

The Big Football Day event, powered by The National Lottery celebration on 12th July 2025, showcased the transformation of grassroots football since the Lionesses’ historic victory at the 2022 Euros. Coronation Street stars Jennie McAlpine (Fiz) and Alan Halsall (Tyrone) were joined by former England star Jill Scott and former Wales international Katie Sherwood.

The young female footballers aged 12-16 came from clubs in England and Wales supported by funding made possible by National Lottery players. The Big Football Day event, powered by The National Lottery event took place just 24 hours before the two home nations met at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. England won the match 6-1.

Activities on the ‘Corrie’ cobblestones included freestyle skills sessions, team challenges, and meet-and-greet opportunities. The FA’s nationwide Big Football Day program, which runs throughout July, encourages clubs across England to throw open their doors and create a welcoming environment for new participants.

Jill Scott said, “For the last 30 years, The National Lottery has been at the heart of women and girls’ sport. They’ve helped fund grassroots clubs, facilities, and programs that inspire young girls to dream big and achieve their goals.

“Today’s event, right here on Britain’s most iconic street, is testament to where the journey can lead. From the local parks to major tournaments, anything is possible. We’re here to show women and girls everywhere that they are made for the game.”

Katie Sherwood added, “This celebration reflects the exciting growth of women's football in Wales. National Lottery players’ support has helped our community clubs create space for girls to fall in love with football, helping the Welsh national team secure their first ever qualification at a major tournament this year. From young girls in their first pair of boots to our national squads, The National Lottery funding is transforming the game on and off the pitch.”

One of the clubs showcasing its skills at the Big Football Day event, powered by The National Lottery, was Chadderton FC in Greater Manchester. It exemplifies the boom in grassroots football since 2022, when the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 to become European champions.

Chadderton FC coaches Mike and Sophie Julien have grown the club from “half a team” five years ago, to 150 players across multiple age groups. Mike said, “I don't bother about trophies or winning. It's about enjoying the game and progressing.”

Another club at the event, Cadishead Sports JFC in Salford, has been transformed by David Craig Edwards. Three years ago, it had just one team – today, it boasts eight girls' teams with over 160 female players. Cadishead’s clubhouse was redeveloped with the help of £20,000 of funding made possible by National Lottery players.

The three Welsh clubs at the event included Buckley Town FC. It has been transformed by Emma Iball, who found herself excluded from the game by the creation of a boys-only competition in 1983.

Emma responded by creating playing opportunities for 250 primary school girls across North Wales. Her transformation of grassroots football earned her FAW Volunteer of the Year in 2020. She said, “Now there's not going to be another girl disappointed like I was.”

The National Lottery has invested £6BN in grassroots sports during its 30-year history and National Lottery investment in football has been sustained in both England and Wales. The FA has received over £50MMillion in National Lottery funding since 2012, including £2MMillion million for legacy programs creating over 500,000 opportunities for women and girls.

Meanwhile, Welsh women’s and girls’ football received £332,972 in 2024/25, helping the FAW double its investment in programs like Huddle (ages 4-11) and BE.FC (ages 12-16).

In a statement the FA said, “This special Big Football Day event, powered by The National Lottery, is part of a national movement happening at clubs across the country – encouraging more girls to try football for the first time. The event demonstrates how England's Euro 2022 triumph has translated into sustained grassroots growth.”

PHOTOS CREDIT: Pictures courtesy of Getty Images.

15th July 2025