England Football has joined forces with Disney to launch an animated twist on Cinderella ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup, set to get underway in Australia and New Zealand next month.
‘Ella: A Modern Day Fairytale’ is a Disney-inspired animation showing the journey of a young girl who has a passion for football and how she overcomes barriers, with a little help and inspiration from three Lionesses. The campaign aims to highlight the challenges that so many young girls still face in football as Sarina Wiegman's team prepare for another major tournament.
The animation also shines a light on Disney Inspired Shooting Stars - a programme for primary school-aged girls that was launched in November 2019. It is narrated by Lioness legend and broadcaster, Alex Scott, and the 'Three Lioness Godmothers', Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Lauren James have all been animated as Disney-inspired characters.
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Since its launch four years ago, the Disney Inspired Shooting Stars has seen over 70,000 girls take part, which is live in over 3,600 schools across the UK. Recently, a new e-learning training platform has launched, meaning that all 16,000 English primary schools now have access to the assets provided by the programme.
The FA’s Head of Development, Louise Gear, said: "As a mum, I'm really excited that we're able to work with our partner Disney on bringing to life a much-loved classic film in Ella: A Modern Day Fairytale. Football is a game for all and Disney Inspired Shooting Stars aims to provide opportunities for girls in schools up and down the country to play the game they love from an early age.
"Ella: A Modern Day Fairytale highlights the barriers that many girls face when trying to play football, and ahead of a huge summer for women's and girls' football, we hope this not only inspires more girls to have the courage to play, but changes perceptions in the playground.”
Nicole Morse, VP of Brand and Franchise Marketing, Disney EMEA added: “Disney is so proud of the Shooting Stars programme. To see our characters having a real impact and being a force for good to help young girls begin a love of football, as well as get active and develop the confidence that Shooting Stars gives, is wonderful. The programme has been a great success, and this brilliant new take on a Disney classic in inspiring Ella: A Modern Day Fairytale will help spread the word of Shooting Stars meaning even more girls will benefit from it.”
