Unity Before Rivalry: Seven Clubs Unite on Coronation Street as The National Lottery Transforms Grassroots Football

Historic gathering brings together England and Wales clubs 24 hours before Euro 2025 clash

Seven grassroots football clubs from England and Wales unite on Britain's most famous street on Saturday July 12th for a special Big Football Day event on the Coronation Street cobbles—just 24 hours before their nations meet in UEFA Women's Euro 2025.

The unprecedented event brings together 48 young female footballers aged 12-16 from National Lottery-supported clubs, showcasing how sustained grassroots investment has created pathways from local pitches to international tournaments.

The timing is historic. Wales will make its debut at a major women's tournament when they take to the field in UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, whilst England arrives as defending champions after Chloe Kelly's extra-time goal secured a 2-1 victory over Germany at Euro 2022. That home triumph swung the nation behind the Lionesses and transformed women's football participation across both countries.

Welsh Transformation
Three Welsh clubs will represent their nation's historic first appearance at a major women's tournament. Buckley Town FC's Emma Iball, rejected from boys' football in 1983, has created opportunities for 250 primary school girls across North Wales. Her transformation of grassroots football earned her FAW Volunteer of the Year in 2020.

"Now there's not going to be another girl disappointed like I was," says Emma.

CPD Merched Porthmadog has grown from nothing in 2016 to 100 registered players, producing Chelsea's Cadi Rodgers who represents Wales at Under-19 level. Northop Hall Girls FC, founded in 2008, has become Wales's third-largest female football club with over 200 players, producing Liverpool's Mia Parry and Wales international Elise Hughes.

English Revolution
Four English clubs showcase equally dramatic growth. Chadderton FC has grown from "half a team" to 150 players across multiple age groups under coaches Mike and Sophie Julien, with Mike recently named Runner-up Coach of the Year at Manchester FA Awards.

"I don't bother about trophies or winning," explains Mike. "It's about enjoying the game and progressing."

Cadishead Sports JFC has transformed under David Craig Edwards—from one team three years ago to eight teams this season, with over 160 female players and league success.

Ashton on Mersey FC serves approximately 200 participants weekly from five-year-old sessions to teams for women in their 50s, while Rochdale AFC Ladies will be represented by 13-year-old Summer Fitton, who was voted her teammates' Players' Player of the Year.

National Investment Impact
The transformation reflects sustained National Lottery investment across both countries. Welsh women's and girls' football received £332,972 in 2024/25, helping the FAW double its investment through programmes like Huddle (ages 4-11) and BE.FC (ages 12-16).

In England, The FA has received over £50 million since 2012, creating over 500,000 opportunities for women and girls. National Lottery players raise £30 million weekly for good causes throughout the UK.

Historic Celebration
Saturday's event features six interactive zones with former England star Jill Scott and former Wales international Katie Sherwood, alongside Coronation Street actors Jennie McAlpine (Fiz) and Alan Halsall (Tyrone).

The celebration takes place as part of England's Big Football Day programme and marks the finale of Wales's "Chwarae FOR HER" week-long celebration, embodying "unity before rivalry" as both nations prepare for their historic Euro 2025 encounter.

The FA stated: "This special Big Football Day, powered by The National Lottery, event is part of a national movement happening at clubs across the country—encouraging more girls to try football for the first time."

As the FAW noted: "While Wales and England will meet in competition tomorrow, we are excited to encourage unity and inspire girls across Wales by showing them they are welcome in the game."

The seven clubs represent the grassroots foundation enabling both nations to reach Euro 2025, demonstrating how National Lottery investment has created pathways from community pitches to international success.