Kaitlynn Eldrett was invited to attend an International Women’s Day event hosted by prime minister reports David Floyd

Kayleigh and Kaitlynn Eldrett from Childs Hill pictured on the steps of No 10 Downing Street — Kayleigh (left) and Kaitlynn Eldrett (right) outside No 10 Downing Street

A Barnet student met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month at a reception for International Women’s Day.

Kaitlynn Eldrett, from Childs Hill, was invited to attend the event after local MPs were asked to nominate local girls and women who were the first to do something in their community.

Kaitlynn, 15, was chosen by Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman for setting up the first girls’ football team at her school, Whitefield, in Cricklewood.

When Kaitlynn went to her first football training session soon after starting secondary school, only one other girl attended. A couple of years later, after receiving training in leadership and teaching sports, Kaitlynn set up the team, She Can Play, to encourage girls at the school to take part in a range of sports and feel comfortable playing. The Chelsea-fan now plays for Camden Town Women, coaches for Potters Bar Little Lionesses and has earned the Hertfordshire FA coaching award.

Kaitlynn’s mother, Kayleigh, who attended the event with her, said: “It was a very special evening for Kaitlynn and I. As a single mum, to see my daughter recognised for all her hard work by the prime minister was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Kaitlynn has worked so hard to get to where she is today and to be able to be rewarded like this was incredible. The prime minister, also a big football fan, and Kaitlynn had a lot to talk about which was lovely to see – though they disagreed on the best football team to support.”

Explaining why she nominated Kaitlynn, Sarah Sackman said: “I reached out to local councillors while considering nominations for this reception, and while there are many remarkable women in my constituency, one name stood out.

“When councillor Kath McGuirk told me of Kaitlynn’s impressive achievements and at such a young age, I knew without hesitation that she deserved to be nominated. Kaitlynn’s success is a testament to both the support of a strong, nurturing community of women and her own drive and brilliance. I am truly delighted that the prime minister has recognised her outstanding contributions to women’s football. She is an inspiration to her generation.”

In his speech at the event, Starmer praised Kaitlynn and the other attendees for their achievements while pledging to: “Stand alongside the women in this country in the fight for equality – and together, create a better future for our daughters – for generations to come.”

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