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Girls from four Nottinghamshire secondary schools were given the opportunity of a lifetime as they played on the pitch at the world-famous City Ground, thanks to a generous donation from Nottingham Forest sustainability partner E.ON.

Students from Bramcote College, The Suthers Academy, Red Hill Academy and Kirk Hallam Academy took part in the special event last week, which gave them the chance to walk out of the players’ tunnel, warm up on the touchline, and play against each other on a Premier League stage.

The unforgettable experience was made possible through E.ON Next’s support, organised in partnership with Nottingham Forest Football Club and Nottingham Forest Community Trust.

All four schools are part of the Premier League Inspires programme – a national initiative designed to use the power of football to help young people realise their potential.

Premier League Inspires is a programme created by the Premier League and delivered locally by club community organisations like Nottingham Forest Community Trust.

It targets pupils in years 7-11 and uses football as a vehicle to support their personal development, mental wellbeing, and future aspirations – especially those at risk of disengaging from school or lacking confidence.

Through workshops, mentoring and real-world experiences like this one, the programme helps participants build skills like teamwork, leadership and resilience, and connects them to opportunities they might not otherwise access.

E.ON’s donation of this unique experience is part of its ongoing commitment to creating a fairer, more inclusive future. Recognising the barriers that still exist for girls in grassroots sport, E.ON is actively supporting initiatives that champion equal opportunity, visibility, and empowerment for girls in football.

By enabling these young players to step into the spotlight, E.ON isn’t just offering a once-in-a-lifetime moment – it’s reinforcing the message that girls belong in the game, and that their ambitions deserve to be backed.

For the players, the day wasn’t just about football, it was about confidence, pride and taking selfies!

Hollie, pupil at Redhill Academy, said: “It’s been enjoyable to play at the City Ground.

“I’ve always loved Forest so it’s amazing playing here.

“The Forest staff have been really nice, and all the teams are playing well, which is good.

“I’m very grateful to get picked to come here and play on the pitch. It’s been amazing for my school to arrange this opportunity for us.”

“It’s been a really good day.” said Jamie Kingham, PE Teacher and Head of Year 7 at Kirk Hallam Academy. “We had some very excited girls. We’ve got quite a few Forest fans, so this has been an amazing opportunity and something for them to remember forever.”

Jamie continued: “I want them to experience and enjoy playing football. They’ve got to experience such an amazing stadium.

“Growing up, girls’ football wasn’t as big as it is now, so for the girls to experience this now, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It’s incredible for E.ON to give us this amazing opportunity. Women’s football has come a long way now and it is something they wouldn’t have dreamt of but to get the opportunity to do this, it’s amazing.”

Jade Newman, UK Partnerships Manager at E.ON, said: “Today’s event goes beyond football itself, it’s about igniting the girls’ passion, building their confidence, and inspiring the next generation’s future.

“Seeing their faces light up as they played in a stadium of this calibre is a testament to the power of these kinds of opportunities.”

Jade added: “E.ON Next’s partnership with Forest is about making a positive impact – in the stands and in the community – both for fairness and equality and also being more sustainable. Today was a huge pleasure, to working with Forest’s Community Trust and see the girls experience the City Ground just like the pros.”