Story added: 11th August 2025

Two-time European Champion returns to The Nest

On Sunday 10th August, participants on our Girls Only Soccer School at The Nest were greeted by a very special guest. Fresh off the back of claiming her second UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland, Norfolk-born Lauren Hemp made a return to East Anglia last weekend, prior to her WSL training resuming later this week.

The day before her appearance at The Nest, Hemp carried the match ball onto the Carrow Road pitch for Norwich City’s fixture against Millwall. Her Sunday appearance continued the strong community spirit, with an emphasis on inspiring the next generation of young footballers.

With Sunday being one of our ‘Girls Only’ Soccer Schools, the arrival of such a high profile name sparked serious excitement amongst the 250 girls in attendance, as their real-life role model appeared before their eyes.

After being introduced to the awe-struck crowd, Hemp took time to speak to the participants on her football journey and recent successes, before throwing herself into the footballing action, joining in with a variety of different activities and drills.

Speaking to us on her recent Euros success, Hemp told us of the importance of teamwork and togetherness within the sport:

“It’s not just the trophy that you win, it’s the people that you do it with. I’ve got many amazing teammates that I’m lucky to spend every day with, at club and for my country. There’s hard times and good times through a tournament and it’s those teammates that got me through it.

“My favourite thing about the tournament was making those memories with them and being able to lift the trophy with everyone – it’s the team that helped me lift it.”

All girls present on the day were part of our Football Development Pathway, an adapted version of the exact same programme Lauren Hemp attended as a schoolgirl.

With the Lionesses superstar being a prime example of how hard work and dedication can lead to fulfilling your ambitions, it’s no wonder that Hemp is such a role model to young people across the county and beyond.

Summer Ward, Girls Football Development Manager at the Foundation, was over the moon with how the day unfolded:

“Today has been an inspirational day for all involved. To see Lauren’s success and have her home on her pitch at The Nest is an amazing opportunity. It was wonderful for the players within our Girls Development Pathway to be a part of today and be inspired to hopefully follow in her footsteps one day!”

To conclude Sunday’s proceedings, Hemp took the time to take a photo with all 250 participants, as well as sign a whole host of different sporting items, including football boots, shirts and water bottles.

Foundation CEO, Ian Thornton OBE, was full of praise for the positive impact that Lauren Hemp had had on the young girls present on the day:

“Today was a perfect example of what the Foundation is all about – bringing people together, creating unforgettable experiences, and inspiring the next generation.

“We were thrilled to welcome Lauren Hemp back and see the joy she brought to so many young players and their families. Her words, her energy, and her story will stay with these young players for a long time.”