Supported by Nike for the past three years, the ‘Game On’ programme at LFC Foundation has reached more than 8,000 children and 240 coaches. The coaching academy supports more than 40+ coaches each year, with the aim of diversifying the landscape of football coaching.

Born in Somaliland, 23-year-old Hilaal moved to Liverpool when she was just five years old. Hilaal is a proud Somali and Scouser, with both identities and cultures melding together to shape who she is today. In her eyes, everyone should feel like they can be their true selves and still belong.

Hilaal’s relationship and journey through sport has been an interesting one. Growing up in a major football city, she shares the same passion as her community for their clubs, but as a young Black Muslim woman, the lack of diversity and representation across the sport has made it harder for her to navigate the game, both as a player and now as a coach.

But this was never going to set her back — Hilaal is 100% herself and never feels the need to apologise for it. She wants young girls to feel the same way too. That’s why being involved in football means so much to her, she’s breaking down barriers and showing women from diverse backgrounds that there is space for them.

Coaching has been a part of Hilaal’s journey since she was 18, but joining the LFC Foundation’s ‘Game On’ programme has been a life-changing experience for her. With Nike’s support of Game On that gives young Scousers the chance to stay active, diverse coaches like Hilaal are being given the perfect platform to lead genuine change.