MDX student selected for prestigious national leadership programme with The FA

Dream come true for football-loving Georgia as she earns place on Universities Women’s Leadership Programme

MDX student Georgia Rosenberg can’t wait to become a part of the rise of girls and women’s football after being offered a place on The FA Universities Women’s Leadership Programme.

The 20-year-old was encouraged to apply for the prestigious programme after becoming involved in the MDX football team shortly after starting a Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation degree in 2021.

The application process is very rigorous and this is the most competitive year the programme has ever seen.

Based on FA commissioned research, the programme aims to support females with aspirations to work within the women’s game to be competitive when they enter the job market.

Georgia will have the opportunity to develop skills, behaviours, confidence and her professional network, as well as be supported in defining career goals and ambitions by exploring and understanding the diverse opportunities that exist in women’s football.

“I was offered the opportunity as they believed I could create a positive influence to the women’s game in the future due to my love and passion for the sport,” she said.

“The programme involves unlocking the potential of young females who aspire to work in the sport and teaching the best way to promote it to girls and women.”

Georgia's dream is to complete a Master’s Degree in physiotherapy and then join a championship or premier league club.

“There’s no better career than mixing the sport I love with the job I’ve dreamed of since I was 15,” she said.

She was drawn to MDX for the modern facilities, cultural diversity and communal atmosphere on campus.

“I have loved every second,” Georgia said. “The cohort and lecturers are calm, fun and understanding and will help in any way they can.”

Georgia started playing football at the age of six and competed in small tournaments before moving to Garston Ladies club where she was a member and regular lead goal-scorer until she was 16.

She has already competed for Great Britain and spent two years with Pro Direct Academy, playing against teams such as MK Dons and Cambridge.

The women’s football team at MDX was a vital part of Georgia’s university choice and she was proud to be  named captain in her second year.

She said: “The diversity of girls that join the football team is incredible and there’s always a positive team spirit which provides an amazing atmosphere. The sport staff are brilliant and very supportive in helping the women’s team grow.”

Georgia believes that the Lionesses’ achievements with the Euros and the Women’s World Cup have given a “massive boost to women’s football and inspiring girls to play.”

“It has even shown with the team at MDX, where people have joined due to being motivated," she said. “The England team have had a huge positive impact to the awareness of the women’s game, and I would only expect more publicity and engagement for the future.”

So what advice does Georgia have to girls or women who might want to become involved in the beautiful game?

“Jump right into it,” she said, “There is no judgement. Don’t be afraid that you may not be as good as other people, everything comes with practice, but having the right team around you is one of the best motivational boosters.

“Football for me has not only become an escape from uni and work, but it has become my personality and I would love to see as many females getting involved as possible. You won’t know until you try!”

Georgia will undertake her first FA leadership residential course in October followed by two more next year.

Jon Cree, MDX Director of Undergraduate Sport Programmes, said: "The London Sport Institute are extremely proud of Georgia’s achievement. We are looking forward to learning from Georgia’s experience whilst also supporting her in her studies to make sure both her degree and career are a success."

See more information about studying sport at MDX.