I had the privilege of being Alessia’s PE teacher during her secondary school years and saw first-hand her passion and enthusiasm for sport, her natural ability and, perhaps most of all, her desire to win! I have been a teacher for 25 years and, having started out as a PE teacher, in recent years I’ve swapped the tracksuit for a suit and am now Vice Principal and Head of College at Leigh Academy Longfield.

Being part of the Alessia Russo Foundation means a great deal to me. I share Alessia’s passion for grassroots football and giving as many girls as possible the opportunity to play, feel confident being active, and better understand puberty, periods and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.