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Khadija Shaw: Inspiring Young Black Girls in Football

Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw is on a mission to remain authentic while motivating young black girls to pursue their dreams in football. The 27-year-old striker has made a significant mark not only in her home country of Jamaica but also on the international stage since joining the Women’s Super League (WSL) in 2021.

After leading the WSL in goals scored last season, Shaw’s contributions helped her team secure a strong finish, coming in as runners-up to Chelsea by just goal difference. Her impressive performance in the 2023-24 season further solidified her reputation, earning her the prestigious titles of PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Reflecting on her journey, Shaw expressed the challenges she faced growing up, noting the lack of role models in sports—aside from the legendary Usain Bolt. “When I look back at my childhood, I didn’t really have a lot of people I could look to,” she shared in an interview with BBC Sport. “One of the main reasons was that I wasn’t really allowed to play. Now, looking at where the game is and where it is going, I think there is more room for that.”

Shaw emphasizes the importance of being present and true to herself in every aspect of her career. “For me, it’s just being alive and being in the moment. It’s staying true to who I am. Hopefully by doing that each and every day, it works out in the end,” she remarked.

October marks Black History Month, a time that celebrates athletes who have challenged norms and paved the way for future generations. Shaw, who is currently nominated for the esteemed Ballon d’Or award, acknowledges the weight of her role as an influencer in her community. She hopes that her achievements will encourage others, especially young girls in Jamaica, to pursue their passions in sports.

“I just try to be the best I can be and hope that by doing that, others looking on can see that if I can do it, then it’s possible,” Shaw said. “Hopefully I can inspire a lot of the young girls back home in Jamaica that it is definitely possible.”

She shared that her journey has been a long one, requiring her to travel extensively to reach her current position. “Now I am here, I’m just embracing the moment and loving every part of it. The ups and downs are parts of life and that’s how you grow as a person. But I just try to be the best that I can and hopefully inspire more girls,” she concluded.

Source
www.bbc.com