Shireland Collegiate Academy was proud to welcome back former student and professional freestyle footballer Kaljit Atwal for a day of workshops and talks aimed at inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
Atwal worked with students throughout the day, demonstrating her skills and sharing insights from her career. Students were given the opportunity to develop new techniques, build confidence, and gain a first-hand understanding of the dedication and perseverance required to succeed at a professional level in sport.
Freestyle football is a fast-growing discipline that combines advanced ball control with elements of juggling, dance and acrobatics. While it is often described as the art of performing skills with a football, the sport goes far beyond surface-level technique. For freestylers, it is both an expressive art form and a competitive sport, centred on creativity and individuality rather than goals, teams or matches.
As an alumna of Shireland Collegiate Academy, Atwal’s visit was particularly meaningful, giving current students the chance to connect with someone who once walked the same corridors. Her achievements were celebrated by staff and students alike, reflecting the school’s pride in her success and the reinforcing the message that pursuing talents and passions can lead to exceptional outcomes.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, commented: “Kaljit’s visit was an incredible opportunity for our students. Seeing someone who once sat in the same classrooms achieve so much through hard work and dedication sends a powerful message about what is possible.
“It was inspiring to see our students engage so positively, ask thoughtful questions, and grow in confidence throughout the day.”
