NewsGemma Bonner hosts inspiring discussion on International Women's Day

The Liverpool FC Women defender continued her comeback from short-term injury to play in the second half of the Barclays Women’s Super League clash with Arsenal at Meadow Park on Wednesday night.

In the morning, meanwhile, she met with people with learning disabilities to inspire them to achieve their dreams on International Women’s Day [March 8].

Bonner spoke online to a number of those supported by Liverpool-founded social care charity Community Integrated Care, to help provide encouragement and guidance from her experiences at the top of the women’s game.

The discussion took place live on www.what-to-do.co.uk, a website created by the charity to give people who require care and support free online activities every day, along with regular special events with inspirational people.

Fans from across the country joined the meet and greet, from local Reds to supporters from Aberdeenshire.

Community Integrated Care was proudly founded in the Liverpool region 35 years ago and regularly works with LFC and LFC Foundation to have a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of people locally.

Helping to coordinate the delivery of essential supplies during the pandemic and creating special experiences at Anfield are just a couple of examples of the previous work completed.

Bonner - who began her second spell at Liverpool in January - shared advice with participants about improving self-confidence and following your dreams.

Discussing her own experiences from a career that has seen her lift two WSL titles for the Reds and represent England with the Lionesses, her footballing journey inspired those taking part to set their own goals for the future.

From taking flight in an airplane for the first time, to joining football teams and drama groups, the attendees shared new ambitions in the special workshop.

Bonner said: “It was fantastic to meet some brilliant people. We had great discussions about self-belief and the importance of people that support you, which everyone connected with.

“I loved hearing the group share their talents and set new dreams for the future. I hope they got as much out of it as I did.”

Lewis Webster, sports inclusion manager at CIC, said: “Community Integrated Care exists to enable people to lead the best lives possible. We could think of no-one better than Gemma to help us celebrate International Women’s Day.

“She’s a fantastic role model and has broken down countless barriers in her life and career. Her story was both inspiring and relatable, and really helped the people we support to consider their own aspirations.”