Powerhouse Project launches Pixel FC Academy to empower next generation of women in sports media

"We want to inspire the next generation of women who want to be in the sports media industry," says ex-professional footballer and broadcaster Mollie Kmita at Wembley Stadium.

Since retiring from professional football, Mollie and her twin-sister Rosie have made it their mission to create an inclusive and supportive space for women working in football.

As founders of the Powerhouse Project, they've played an essential role in increasing the number of female coaches in the sport and nearly four years on, they are taking on a new challenge.

The Powerhouse Project has teamed up with Google Pixel to create the Pixel FC Academy - a five month programme of workshops covering every aspect of sports media from broadcast punditry, production and written press, to creating viral social content.

The initiative will be delivered in partnership with a number of sponsors, including Arsenal, Liverpool, the FA and 90min. Participants will be given the chance to have hands-on experiences, gain access to open training at St George's Park and have the chance to go pitch side to cover a live Women's Super League game.

They will also go shoulder to shoulder with top pundits from ITV to create digital and social content for their channels during Lionesses matches.

"We are really grateful to have the level of partnerships that we've got," Mollie told 90min. "We are really working with the best in the business and we've done that on purpose because we want the women in our academy to be exposed to the best.

"To be sitting here and speaking to you, knowing that 90min is coming on board is just huge."

Recent research by YouGov revealed that 70% of female sports fans aged 16-24 believe sports media is a male dominated industry, with 63% stating that they would be more likely to apply if they saw a greater number of women in prominent roles.

Speaking about the inspiration behind their new venture, Rosie exclusively told 90min: "I think we realised that the issues and barriers to entry for women were the same as coaching." The Kmita's made it clear that they "wanted to build an organisation that eradicated those issues".

The academy will also give members the opportunity to apply for industry placements after graduating, including work experience or paid internships, depending on performance.

All participants will be paired with a mentor from the sports industry to support their development.

Legends Karen Carney and Fara Williams were present at Wembley Stadium to celebrate the launch of Pixel FC.

"I love the fact that Pixel FC Academy has been created," said Karen. "Looking back, a learning space like this where I could fail in a safe environment would have been brilliant. There's clearly a need and demand for it, so if you're interested, my advice would be to sign up - it's an amazing opportunity."