Norwich High School for Girls works in partnership with Norwich City FC as an official in-stadium sponsor for Norwich City Women FC, continuing a shared mission to champion female empowerment, teamwork and excellence. The collaboration was celebrated in spectacular fashion during the regular league season finale at Carrow Road on Sunday 26th April, where the Canaries delivered a masterclass on the pitch, securing a dominant 6–1 victory over Cambridge United.

The 4,063-strong crowd was treated to a football showcase. Issy Moore opened the scoring late in the first half, setting the stage for a clinical second-half surge. Natasha Snelling found the back of the net twice in quick succession, followed by a strike from Holly Kennard. While Cambridge’s Tally Miles managed a consolation volley, Norwich substitute Freya Symonds rounded off the afternoon with two late goals to seal the emphatic win.

The Carrow Road triumph served as the perfect launchpad for the team’s ultimate success. Just days later, the Canaries went on to secure a historic promotion to Tier 3 of English football (the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division) for the first time in the club’s history. Facing Moneyfields in a dramatic play-off final at the Pirelli Stadium, the game ended 2–2 after 90 minutes. In a nail-biting penalty shootout, goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill became the hero, saving two spot-kicks to win the shootout 6–5 and send Norwich City up.

Beyond the sporting triumph, the afternoon was a powerful celebration of community, blending elite sport with incredible student talent. The pre-match atmosphere at Carrow Road was electric, thanks to a marathon 80-minute live performance by Norwich High’s Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Rock Bands, who entertained the thousands of fans arriving at the stadium.

Adding to the magic of the day, Year 7 student Beth experienced the once-in-a-lifetime honour of walking out onto the historic Carrow Road turf as an official matchday mascot.

Beth is a talented footballer herself, playing for local side Morley, who celebrated a spectacular season by earning promotion to Division One. She also recently fought hard in the Under 12 Norfolk Plate final, proudly collecting a runners-up medal despite a narrow 2–0 defeat. Reflecting on her unforgettable mascot experience, Beth said:

“It was an incredible day. I really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes and walking out onto the pitch with the team. It was great to meet the players and it was inspiring to see women performing to such a high level.”

Beth’s inspiring experience aligns with Norwich High’s commitment to supporting and developing girls’ football from the grassroots up. This dedication was on full display earlier this spring at the annual Norwich High Prep School U11 Football Tournament. The highly anticipated event brought together ten local schools and 100 young players for a packed schedule of 60 matches, providing a fantastic platform for young female athletes to build confidence, showcase teamwork and develop a lifelong love for the game.

The partnership between Norwich High School for Girls and Norwich City FC looks set to continue to grow.

The event highlighted the strength of the school community and its partnerships. Find out more about our partnerships and social action.