“Young footballers score VIP treatment ahead of Lionesses visit”

A group of young footballers have been warming up for the Lionesses’ arrival at Coventry Building Society Arena later this month by treading the same path their idols will take on match day.

Coventry Sphinx’s Under-11s Girls and Under-9s Boys were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Arena, as they prepare to roar England on when they take on South Africa in a high-profile friendly on Tuesday 29 October (7.45pm kick-off), as Sarina Wiegman’s side ramp up their preparations for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

The match will mark the Lionesses’ second visit to the home of Coventry City FC in as many years, following an entertaining 2-1 victory over Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2023.

And with just days to go before the big clash, some of the city’s youngsters went on a guided tour of the stadium, which saw them taken through the player’s entrance, into the media suite where they were asked questions, before heading into the home changing room and walking out of the tunnel to sit in the dugouts.

They were also treated to some interesting facts about the stadium, where the away side has an 80-yard walk from their changing room to the tunnel, while the hallowed turf itself is cut to 22mm in line with Premier League standards.

Chelsea Hartopp is the manager of Coventry Sphinx Under-11s Girls, and says interest in women’s football has really taken off in recent years.

“For this coming season the number of girls and women showing an interest in playing across various age groups has taken off, to the point where we have had to hold trials, and a lot of that is down to the recent success of the Lionesses,” said Chelsea.

“Having the Lionesses back in Coventry is fantastic as hopefully it will not only inspire my players to see what can be achieved when you work hard, but also for others too who are perhaps thinking of taking up the sport.

“As a woman, I never really got to experience football the way a lot of these youngsters now can, so it’s great to be able to coach them and help them to get better on a weekly basis – and hopefully they will pick up a tip or two from watching some of the best later this month.”

Will Tyrrell, manager of Coventry Sphinx Under-9s Boys, added: “This has been a brilliant experience for the children, and it’s refreshing to see an organisation such as the Coventry Building Society Arena giving something back to the community and the grassroots football scene.”

Will’s son William, who plays for Coventry Sphinx Under-9s Boys, was also part of the stadium tour and is feeling optimistic about an England victory.

He said: “I think there will be plenty of goals and will end up 3-0 to England.

“I’m really hoping I get to see my favourite player Lucy Bronze play, as she’s really good at holding the ball up and making the right pass.”

William’s teammate Ollie Thomas saw the Lionesses the last time they came to Coventry, and is also hoping for a similar result this time around.