England legend Yankey delivers team talk to inspire next generation

England and Arsenal legend Rachel Yankey is working as a 'Confidence Coach' to inspire the next generation of female footballers. Yankey delivered a moving Team Talk at the Gatorade's 5v5 all-female tournament, where she revealed she cut her hair and went by the name of Ray to be accepted into the local boy's football team. This disguise helped her confidence blossom.

Ad The England legend shared how her first ever football coach, a painter and decorator, developed her self-belief and helped her feel part of a team. FootballEngland legend Yankey backs Lionesses for World Cup success despite injury concerns2 HOURS AGO Gatorade launched the first video in its 'Team Talk' series featuring former England and Arsenal icon Rachel Yankey. The video marks Yankey's role as one of Gatorade's new team of 'Confidence Coaches,' a move which comes in response to new data revealing that a lack of self-esteem in teenagers is preventing their participation in grassroots sports.

In the emotive video, Yankey is captured addressing a group of young footballers about the first team she played for as an eight-year-old in Kilburn, north-west London. Yankey said: «I became involved because I have always been keen on grassroots football and I have always worked, whilst playing, in primary schools and with grassroots schemes. »Gatorade asked me to go out and be a confidence coach for the girls and highlight and understand that there are different barriers between girls and boys when it comes to football.