Why E.ON and Nottingham Forest gave girls a dream day at the City Ground
In another celebration of inclusion and ambition, E.ON teamed up with our long-term partner Nottingham Forest to hand pupils from four local schools the chance to shine on the hallowed home turf of The Reds — and, as always, our collaboration was about a lot more than just football
For most young footballers, the idea of playing on a Premier League pitch remains just that – a dream.
But last week, girls from four secondary schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire saw that goal turned into reality as they stepped onto the pitch at Nottingham Forest’s legendary City Ground.
Using our funding and position as Nottingham Forest’s sustainability partner to support such an important initiative reflects our commitment to communities through grassroots football – and it was a pleasure to work with Nottingham Forest Football Club and Nottingham Forest Community Trust to help make it happen.
Those who scored the ultimate football experience were girls from Bramcote College, The Suthers Academy, Red Hill Academy and Kirk Hallam Academy.
From walking down the players’ tunnel to warming up on the touchline and battling it out in friendly matches under the floodlights, it was a moment that left boot prints on more than just grass – it left lasting memories.
Going beyond a match day
This event – captured in this video – was far from just being about football.
It was a powerful message: girls belong in the game, and their ambitions deserve real backing.
E.ON’s involvement formed part of its wider commitment to equality, empowerment and inclusion – particularly for girls in grassroots sport.
While barriers still exist, initiatives like this are shifting the narrative.
And not by simply telling young girls they can belong, but by showing them, on one of English football’s most iconic stages.
Jade Newman, UK Partnerships Manager at E.ON, summed up the impact, saying: “Today’s event goes beyond football itself, it's about igniting the girls’ passion, building their confidence, and inspiring the next generation's future.
“Seeing their faces light up as they played in a stadium of this calibre is a testament to the power of these kinds of opportunities.”
Premier League inspiration: football with purpose
All the participating schools are part of the Premier League Inspires programme – a national initiative using the power of football to support young people’s personal development, wellbeing and future potential.
Delivered locally by Nottingham Forest Community Trust, the programme targets students in Years 7 to 11, with a focus on those at risk of disengagement or low confidence.
Through mentoring, workshops, and transformative experiences like this, the programme helps build core life skills such as resilience, leadership, and teamwork – all wrapped in the inspirational pull of the beautiful game.
Case studies: moments to remember and lessons for life
For Hollie, a pupil at Redhill Academy, the moment was nothing short of magical.
She said: “I’ve always loved Forest so it’s amazing playing at the City Ground.
“The Forest staff have been really nice, and all the teams are playing well, which is good.
“I’m very grateful to get picked to come here and play on the pitch. It’s been amazing for my school to arrange this opportunity for us.”
It wasn’t just the players who were moved.
Jamie Kingham, PE teacher and Head of Year 7 at Kirk Hallam Academy, saw first-hand the ripple effect of the event – saying: “We had some very excited girls. We’ve got quite a few Forest fans, so this has been an amazing opportunity and something for them to remember forever.
“Growing up, girls’ football wasn’t as big as it is now, so for the girls to experience this – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s incredible for E.ON to give us this amazing chance.
“Women’s football has come a long way now and it is something they wouldn’t have dreamt of but to get the opportunity to do this, it’s amazing.”
Backing the next generation, today
This experience was more than a gift and day out.
It was a clear signal girls’ sport deserves and belongs in the spotlight and the mainstream.
By opening the doors to one of football’s grandest stages, E.ON and Nottingham Forest aren’t just nurturing young talent, they’re reshaping the future of the game, one match, one moment and one young dream fulfilled at a time.
As E.ON’s Jade concluded: “Our partnership with Forest is about making a positive impact – in the stands and in the community – both for fairness and equality and also being more sustainable.
“Today was a huge pleasure, working with Forest’s Community Trust and seeing the girls experience the City Ground just like the pros.”
From grassroots to looking into the future, this is what progress looks like.
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