It all began with a pair of boots: Georgia Harris

Do you remember going to buy your first pair of football boots? No, we don't either, but Georgia Harris remembers buying her first set of boots with her dad. The boots clearly fit, because Georgia Harris has an inspirational story to tell.

Georgia (Gee) started her playing career at Sandhurst Town during her early teens. She described her coach as "incredible" and believed in her more than she did herself. "One day you'll play for England if you carry on the way you are", are the words that a very young football star wants to hear. 72% of Grassroots coaches are not paid, but they help build dreams, develop skills and build up confidence within younger players, exactly in the same position as Gee. We were never provided with the coach's name, but we thank you.

After having this type of support on the sidelines line Gee was excited for the future (just like us with this story) and where this endless possibility was going to take her. Well... let us tell you exactly how it went.

The "Coach", the main man at this point, entered Gee into Trials at Reading Academy with a few other girls within the team. No surprise to anyone, Gee was selected and placed into the under-16s team. On estimate, the chance of signing for a Team after a competitive trial is 1%-2% so that is a huge step and a real win for Gee.

Gee described her biggest barrier as the environment & atmosphere of a club. "I think the atmosphere of a team is a massive factor for me. If I don't feel comfortable in myself around the people I am with, then I don't play to my full potential because I am too worried about others' perception". After playing at Reading & Brentford women's for a short time, unfortunately, the tables really turned for Gee. After a hard season with a lack of confidence, multiple injuries and struggling with the chemistry with teammates, it ended up putting a real shadow over her confidence. Unfortunately, this caused Gee to leave the higher levels of football.

Note to your younger Self: "Work harder and don't give up so easily when other people put you down. Stop worrying about what other people think, and don't force yourself to play somewhere you are not appreciated. "

This is not where this story ends, though... of course not. Gee made her next steps into grassroots football, still struggling with a knee injury and became the top goal scorer. This led to her regaining her confidence and finding the love of the game again. Gee is still playing with the team three years later, being the happiest she has ever been, and still banging in free kicks that David Beckham would take his hat off to. 23 games, 33 goals,15 assists and a league title. Gee said this was her favourite season yet. Now this is where full-circle moments come to life. She made her dad proud, and he supports her by coming to still watch her games, and celebrates every goal, to slide tackle and will always be her best supporter and critic, and it all came down from the purchase of her first pair of boots.