As a member of the victorious Lionesses squad that won the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 for England, Jill Scott MBE knows all about the importance of inspiring the next generation of female footballers.
Recently, Scott returned to her hometown to recognise Sunderland's Community Captain as well as to see how the Premier League is helping provide playing pathways for girls in the game by visiting the club's Girls' Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) run by the Foundation of Light.
Since 2022, the Premier League have been funding The FA's network of ETCs, which aim to identify players with high potential, while making the game more inclusive.
In the space of of three years they have certainly made their mark.
There are now 72 ETCs, with the Premier League investing more than £6.3million since 2022 as part of a £41million commitment to the women's and girls' game.
In the space of three years, they have increased the number of young female players in the England talent pathway from 1,722 to more than 6,000, a 265 per cent increase.
As we mark this year's International Women's Day on 8 March, Scott describes the impact the ETCs are having.
"It was a very special evening," she said. "I was blown away by the level of talent that these girls have. I did join them for five minutes... to be honest I think five minutes was enough!
"Being there made me reflect on my journey and thinking if I had access to these ETCs where the opportunities are endless.
"Compared to when I was coming through, it's like night and day. It's like a different sport sometimes. I would go to some training sessions and I would be the only girl.
"Now you've got girls coming here, making friends and memories. Seeing that change makes me so happy. People ask me if I miss playing football and I do, especially on nights like that when I get to do a little bit of coaching and join in.
"The game is in a better place than when I was younger. Seeing how many girls are now getting these opportunities, to see them start their journey where women's football is now, it's so exciting for them.
"We want more girls to be playing football but the main thing is the girls being able to play in a safe environment.
"You can see the fantastic work that the ETCs are doing. They are providing floodlit pitches, fantastic surfaces and coaches; it's so professional and there are no excuses for the girls not to perform.
"If they want to carry on their journey, all they have to do is turn up, put in the hard work and show willing, because really they've got everything here to fulfil their dreams.
"The coaches are doing a great job. The detail the girls are getting now, you can see that it is really changing the game and taking it to the next level.
"To have the Premier League funding this is absolutely fantastic. The Premier League Trophy was there in Sunderland and it makes you smile as you walk past it. The Premier League represents what football is all about.
"Premier League investment makes the girls feel appreciated. You can tell that by the smiles on their faces.
"Throughout our journey in football there's probably been times where we haven't felt appreciated. The ETCs show that women's football is being taken seriously. That's why we're seeing increased participation.
"I feel so lucky that I've lived this journey in woman's football and I'm excited for what the future holds."
