One-Two Magazine May 2013 | Page 5

A A SHINING EXAMPLE TO US ALL nne Ellwood who is known and loved throughout the girls game in Lancashire is a role model to not just junior footballers but to us all. Anne has spent her life dedicated to the promoting of girls/women’s football. From overcoming a life threatening illness as a teenager, Anne promotes the positive values of sport to hundreds of girls/women and values of healthy lifestyles. Also raising the awareness of the sport to hundreds of girls and women for over 30 years, Anne is an inspiration and excellent role model. She played the game to a high level though in an era when many barriers prevented her from being accepted in a male dominated sport. This didn’t deter her from having a successful playing career, then becoming a qualified coach/referee. Despite these ‘sexist’ barriers she was recognised for many special achievements and became the 1st women in history to attend the FA’s professional coaching course, Alongside being one of only a few qualified coaches in the region, this helped her encourage others to participate. Anne has worked hard within the community developing and raising the profile of the sport, making it accessible to all, she always goes the extra mile to help at all levels, and does a brilliant job at AGLFC with the FA, where she has used her experience to great affect . She is well respected throughout the county, and an overall inspiration to everyone. In recognition for Anne’s contribution to the wider sporting community, she was chosen to be a torch bearer for the Olympic flame which she proudly carried through Accrington on 23rd June 2012. Anne proudly carries the Olympic torch for last years games through the streets of Accrington