An event bringing together businesses, artwork, and a collection of sports stars is celebrating the positive impact women are having in sport while also offering networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Artist Matty Richards began planning this event back in March as he was inspired by the upcoming Women’s World Cup, but the event evolved into one celebrating women across all sports and careers.
The 22-year-old believes an event like this is needed for the next female generation.
Richards said: “It’s really important, as over the past few years there has been a lot of cuts. You hear all the time about youth clubs shutting, sports clubs not having enough funding, or charities struggling.
“I think while there is this advancement in the women’s game, it’s important to keep building on it, keeping young girls or whoever it is wanting to expand their skills or become the next superstar.”
The celebration will include guest speakers, boxer Natasha Jonas, Under-21 Lioness Liv McLoughlin, and Man City player Laia Aleixandri.
He said: “Natasha Jonas, the Liverpool boxer, has just been awarded her boxing manager’s licence, and she is the first female black boxer to be awarded it.
“Laia will be there Monday, and she has just been selected for the Spain national team, which isn’t the easiest to get into, considering they just won the World Cup.”
Business networking will be a key element of the event, as Richards wishes to support a growth of small and local businesses similar to that of women’s sport.
He said: “I learn from all business owners. Whilst I want the artwork and the women sports stars to be the centre, I also wanted there to be the small and medium business enterprises there because they motivate me.
“It helps there business as well to connect with people at these types of events.
“Hopefully they can get some positive connections from the event.”
Art is key to the celebration, with a collection of Richards’ portraits of female sports stars being the centrepiece.
Richards said: “Up to now I painted a lot of male icons, a lot of male sports stars, footballers and musicians.
“But I think it is something that with women in sport, not just in football but across the sport industry there needs to be more advancement.
“A lot of sports are starting to take off and I wanted to celebrate that.”
The event will take place on Monday, October 23rd, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn.
Further details and an official ticket link of the event are attached below.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-celebration-of-women-in-sport-collection-tickets-674236488487
Feature Image: Matty Richards
Images: Matty Richards
