Students from Birmingham MedSoc Women’s Football Club (BMWFC) challenged celebrity all-star five-a-side football team in 12 hours of non-stop football for Sport Relief on Friday 23rd March in Salford, Manchester.
Jessica Riley Green, fourth year MBChB student and president of BMWFC, formed one of the five-a-side teams selected from the FA People’s Cup to take on the celebrity all-star team led by former Birmingham City midfielder Robbie Savage. Speaking on her time as president, Jessica said “I’m the current president of the MedSoc team, as I have been for the last 3 years, and over that time I’ve seen the team expand from six of us who were there in my first year to now over 20 people coming to training each week. The team has been like a family to me and to be able to coach and see people grow within the game I love, and to see them enjoy it as much as I do, has been an incredible experience.”
The 12 hour challenge was streamed live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button, as well as covered extensively on BBC Radio 5 Live. Highlights were also shown on Sport Relief’s Night of TV on BBC One.
Speaking of the day Jessica said “To be able to see on screen 'BMWFC' and play representing the Medical School in front of the crowd is something that I never thought would happen. I have played football since I was 5 years old and to make my television debut as part of this team and representing the Medical School is a privilege. More than that, to be able to play alongside my university friends and have so many more watch and get in contact to congratulate us makes me very proud, as well as the fact it was for a wonderful cause.”
Fourth year MBChB student Rebecca Clarke and MBChB graduate Katie Hutchinson were also part of the BMWFC team.
The money raised through Sport Relief helps vulnerable people across the UK and the world to live happier, healthier and safer lives.