Lunch with the Lionesses 2024
Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh, and Izzy Christiansen
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Lunch with the Lionesses 2024: A Captivating Sporting Lunch with Football Icons
On the 30th of October 2024 Gala Hospitality hosted a remarkable edition of “Lunch with the Lionesses 2024” at London’s prestigious InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane. This highly anticipated sporting lunch brought together three of England’s football icons—Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh, and Izzy Christiansen—alongside the renowned host, Pete Graves of Sky Sports. The exclusive women’s sporting hospitality event gave fans and corporate guests a unique opportunity to connect closely with the Lionesses, who captivated the audience with stories of resilience, success, and dedication.
Set in the elegant ballroom of the InterContinental, this inspiring “Lunch with the Lionesses 2024” event attracted attendees for an afternoon that celebrated the power of women’s sport and personal achievement. As guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and anticipation. This premier sporting lunch, presented by Gala Hospitality, highlighted the Lionesses’ impact on the growth of women’s football and their influence in inspiring a new generation of fans.
The event’s highlight was a captivating Q&A session, where each of the Lionesses recounted her journey to the top of international football. Georgia Stanway, known for her creativity and tenacity on the field, spoke about the sacrifices she made in her early years, including the dedication it took her and her family to travel two hours each way from Barrow to Blackburn to train with Blackburn’s academy. Her story resonated with attendees, showing the perseverance required to rise in professional football.
Izzy Christiansen brought humour and warmth to the conversation by sharing a memorable family story. When her family received a call from Manchester United’s academy, her brother mistakenly believed he had been accepted – only to realise it was Izzy’s big break into the academy. This moment was shared to underscore the strong family support that Izzy has enjoyed throughout her career, as she highlighted the importance of encouragement and joy in women’s sporting success.
Keira Walsh offered insight into her own growth as a sportswoman, attributing her steady rise to her father’s guidance and support. Known for her strategic skill and poise, Keira spoke of how her father’s advice kept her grounded, focused, and ready to achieve at the highest level. Her story exemplified the role of family in building a balanced and resilient athlete and offered a glimpse into the personal dedication behind her journey.
The Lionesses also discussed their experiences with England manager Sarina Wiegman, describing her remarkable leadership style. Known for her strategic insight and emphasis on unity, Wiegman has cultivated belief and camaraderie among the squad, building a culture where every player feels valued. Her approach to team building has played an instrumental role in the Lionesses’ success, making her an inspiration for women’s sporting leadership both on and off the pitch.
Another highlight of the afternoon was when the Lionesses gave a glimpse into their lives beyond football. Georgia shared her recent passion for tattoo artistry, a creative outlet that contrasts with her high-energy career. Izzy expressed her enthusiasm for paddle tennis, while Keira shared her love for walking her dog, a simple joy that balances her professional life. This personal insight made the Lunch with the Lionesses 2024 a distinctive women’s sporting hospitality experience, allowing fans to see the athletes as multidimensional individuals.
To inspire young athletes in the audience, the Lionesses shared advice to “enjoy the journey” and embrace each step with positivity. They emphasised that growth, passion, and appreciating the process are as valuable as the final achievement, a message that resonated with the young fans and aspiring players in the audience.
The event’s VIP reception offered fans exclusive moments with the Lionesses, including photos, conversations, and personalised interactions. An auction and raffle rounded out the afternoon, featuring exclusive Lionesses memorabilia. These additions made the Lunch with the Lionesses 2024 not only a memorable sporting lunch but also a great all-round occasion.
Lunch with the Lionesses 2024 was more than just a women’s sporting hospitality event; it was a true celebration of women’s sporting excellence, resilience, and ambition. This special occasion provided unforgettable memories, motivating guests to support and celebrate the power of women in sport.
To join future Lionesses events and become part of the inspiring journey in women’s sport, or to experience any of our other sporting dinners and lunches offerings, contact us today and become part of the inspiring journey in women’s sport.
*Gallery images coming soon