Lionesses & Chelsea star Lauren James launches 'LJ10 Scholarship' in bid to 'increase diversity' in women's football

Lionesses and Chelsea star Lauren James has launched the 'LJ10 Scholarship' in a bid to "increase diversity" in women's football.

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On top of the England international successes on the pitch, the 22-year-old has set up this new scholarship programme for young girls from minority backgrounds in football. This enterprise launches this month, with the goal of helping up-and-coming youngsters navigate the early years of their careers.

WSL

Chelsea FC Women
Chelsea FC Women
2024-09-20T18:00:00.000Z18:00

Aston Villa Women
Aston Villa Women
• WHAT LAUREN JAMES SAID

  In the letter, she wrote: “I grew up in a house of football. I was lucky that I had the support of those around me to play and be put in environments where I could succeed. But that success didn't come easy, and I saw girls that look like us fall away, because they didn't have that support. Now, I'm in a position where I can try to make a bit of a difference. It won't happen all at once, but we need to get more diversity in the women's game and that starts with giving girls like you – who have the talent to succeed – every chance to do so.”

  She added: "This is just the beginning and I hope you're excited for what's to come."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  James has become an inspiration for many aspiring young footballers and this scholarship will increase that further still. Footballers have frequently used their fame to help others, such as Marcus Rashford's successful free school meals campaign, and James is the latest example of that.

• Imagn

  WHAT NEXT?

  While this scholarship campaign will begin to get off the ground, James is preparing for the new Women's Super League season. Before their WSL opener against Aston Villa on September 20, Chelsea host Feyenoord in a friendly on Saturday.