INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG PERSON OF THE MONTh: lauren hemp

Our July Inspirational Young Person of the Month is Lauren Hemp, the England forward whose current performance has assisted the Lionesses’ domination of the 2022 Women’s Euros and landed them in the finals for the first time since 2009.

At the age of 21, Lauren has achieved so much in her career already. She is one of the youngest members of the 2022 Lionesses squad coached by Sarina Weigman and is an integral player who is part of the starting line-up. She was voted the PFA’s young female player of the year three years in a row in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and was identified as one of the ten most promising women footballers in Europe two years ago. 

Originally from Norfolk, Hemp left home at the age of 16 to join Bristol City and pursue her football career. She then moved to Manchester City in 2018 and she hasn’t looked back since.

She explains her explosive power and dynamism stems from training within the boys’ team at a young age.

“Sometimes being the only girl in a boys’ team might be daunting for some but having them at the same school meant it was nice because I knew them really well and got on with them. Those games helped shape me as a player because I am quite physical and quite strong, and I think that stemmed from playing in a boys’ team a lot.”

The 2022 Women’s Euros has smashed records in terms of attendance and viewership, and it is undeniable that right now women’s football at an international level is an unstoppable force. Hemp states:

“Even when I was younger, I still didn’t realise that it could be a career for me. It probably wasn’t until I was about 14 or 15 that I could then see the likes of Jill Scott, Ellen White and Kelly Smith going on to succeed and making a living out of it. So, from a young age, I just thought it was something that was a hobby and I will enjoy doing it while I have another job. Fortunately, it has turned out to be my career.”

Sporting the number 11 on the pitch, Lauren will undoubtedly be a major inspiration to young girls across the UK and around the world. Her advice to the younger generation of football players is:

“To any girls thinking of joining a football team, it is important first and foremost to enjoy what you are doing. Then if you start playing, try to have belief in yourself. Not every coach is going to play you or maybe even believe in you, so it is important for you to have that confidence in yourself and that belief to shine.”

Join in on Sunday, 31st of July 2022 to witness England take on Germany in the UEFA Women’s Euro’s Grand Final. It’s set to be an incredible game!