Olympique Lyonnais star and Netherlands International Shanice van de Sanden has spoken candidly about the importance of self-expression, as part of the intimate new documentary series Strong Is… produced by UEFA’s Together #WePlayStrong campaign.

Strong Is… is a three-part documentary series which follows the journeys of the most distinguished players and personalities in the women’s game, dealing with subjects ranging from personal tragedy and injury trauma, mental health, sexuality, and self-confidence.

Olympique Lyonnais star Shanice, who’s also well known for her unique style and iconic red lipstick, has a distinctive fashion sense and a confidence on the pitch that’s emulated in her style and sense of self.

The striker, who played a vital part in Olympique Lyonnais’ UEFA Women’s Champions League Final win this year in Kyiv, believes it’s important to remember that everyone is different and encourages her fans to always be themselves.

Strong Is…Shanice van de Sanden focuses on her personal style and self-expression and looks at the mental and emotional strength she has learned in order to be confident in who she is as an individual and as a world-class athlete.

Shanice van de Sanden said: “There are a thousand, million people on this earth but there’s no one like you and you have to remember that every day when you stand in front of the mirror.”

“My fashion is really important to me, because it’s just how I am. I like to be a little bit different from other people, so I like to stand out. You have to be strong and be happy with who you are. And if people want to say something about it that’s their problem.

“I’m really proud to be a part of the ‘Strong Is…’ series as part of Together #WePlayStrong. I believe that being me, being strong and being who I am will be the key to my success.”

Through Together #WePlayStrong, UEFA’s ambition for how the game can attract more girls to play involves raising the profile and image of the game and increasing the visibility of players and their pathway into football.

Peter Willems, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship Activities at UEFA, said: “Our Strong Is… series is an integral part of the wider Together #WePlayStrong campaign, and is a platform for us to send an important message to young girls across Europe.

“It’s important for us to demonstrate that strength comes in many forms, and we are grateful to the three players who have worked with us to tell their stories of strength and resilience.

“Shanice is not only a world class player but a role model for young girls, and it is our hope that her inspiring story will inspire the next generation of footballers.”

Strong Is… Shanice van de Sanden is the third and final film released by Together #WePlayStrong as part of the Strong Is… initiative, with the first two films profiling Wolfsburg player and Sweden International Nilla Fischer, and Chelsea and England International player Fran Kirby. All films cover real-life topics including sexuality, mental health, bullying and gender equality in football.

Watch the full film here.

Courtesy of UEFA via Frame

The three-part short features document the journeys of the 3 of the most distinguished players and personalities in the women’s game, dealing with subjects ranging from personal tragedy and injury trauma, mental health, sexuality, and self-confidence.

Fran Kirby (right) (Photo by UEFA)

Released to coincide with the latest round of UEFA European qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, Strong Is … profiles the lives of Swedish captain Nilla Fischer, PFA Player of the Year and Chelsea forward Fran Kirby, and current UEFA Women’s EURO champion from the Netherlands, Shanice van de Sanden, with unprecedented access.

Each player has her own dedicated film, which not only chronicles her career but discusses the on and off-field challenges each has had to overcome to reach the top. Discussing these real-life issues is a fundamental pillar of UEFA’s strategy to increase participation and awareness of women’s football and follows-on from the successful day-in-the-life video blog series, Press Play.

Nilla Fischer, Wolfsburg and Swedish national team player, said: “Together #WePlayStrong is a fantastic initiative and encompasses everything that’s important to me about the game. I was really happy to share my journey as part of Strong Is … Football has allowed me to raise awareness of subjects that are important to me, and hopefully I will inspire others to be strong and confident in who they are.”

Fran Kirby, Chelsea forward and England international, continued: “It’s an honour to be part of UEFA’s Strong Is… documentary series and I’m grateful that they have given me a platform to discuss mental health within the game so openly. It’s a battle which many people face, and I hope that my film encourages girls and boys to talk about their own struggles.”

Shanice van de Sanden (PHOTO UEFA)

Shanice van de Sanden, Lyon and Netherlands professional, said: “UEFA’s campaign advocates self-expression and individuality, qualities which are important for young girls to embrace. I want to show girls across Europe that it’s okay not to follow the crowd, and I hope that my Strong Is… documentary inspires them to be who they want to be.”

Peter Willems, UEFA Head of Marketing Activities and Sponsorship: “Our Strong Is… series is an integral part of the wider Together #WePlayStrong campaign and is a platform for us to send an important message to young girls across Europe.

“Participating in football can offer girls increased confidence and self-esteem in life and is a place to find togetherness as a team and acceptance as an individual.

“Nilla, Fran and Shanice all have inspiring stories, and each has had to use their strength to overcome barriers in their career – whether that be a physical injury, mental health problem, standing up for what they believe or simply finding out who they are as an individual.

“These world-class footballers are not just extraordinary players, but role models for young girls, and it is our hope that their unique stories will inspire the next generation of footballers.”

Strong Is… is not the first time that UEFA has taken a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday lives of professional women’s players.  Press Play, the dedicated YouTube series, follows four international footballers – Lisa Evans, Eunice Beckmann, Sarah Zadrazil and Laura Feiersinger – in video-diary style. The weekly vlogs have clocked-up more than five million views since launching in January, with UEFA’s dedicated YouTube channel continuing to attract subscribers from around the world.

The Strong Is… documentary series will play an integral part in UEFA’s five-year strategic plan to make football the number one sport for girls and women in countries across Europe, becoming a permanent fixture in the wider Together #WePlayStrong campaign, with more documentaries set to roll out in the coming months. By raising the profile of the women’s game, increasing visibility, engagement and investment and driving participation at grassroots level, UEFA hopes to attract more girls to play.

You can find more information on UEFA’s Together #WePlayStrong campaign here.  

Courtesy of Frame on behalf of UEFA.