A Year 7 student from Millthorpe School in York has been shortlisted for the prestigious “Young Person of the Year” award at the upcoming York Press Community Pride Awards, set to take place on 11 September at York Racecourse.
Camille Porhel’s nomination follows a powerful stand against gender discrimination in youth football. After experiencing repeated incidents of discrimination – including a shocking moment during an FA Cup match when an opposition coach stopped play to publicly question Camille’s gender – Camille (pictured right) and fellow teammate, Flo Topham from Manor CE Academy, took action.
Together with their York RI U12s (now U13s) teammates, they launched a bold campaign to challenge stereotypes. The team designed and began wearing t-shirts printed with the message: “Girls Can Have Short Hair – Get Over It.”
The response was overwhelming. The campaign resonated with people around the globe and received widespread media coverage, appearing in national and international outlets, including the New York Times and a live interview on Channel 5 News.
York RI U12s coaches Kelly Chesterton and Adam Cooper have since been contacted by women worldwide who shared similar experiences of discrimination in sport. Many expressed gratitude and admiration for Camille and Flo’s bravery in standing up for equality and inclusion.
Camille and Flo have been jointly nominated for the “Young Person of the Year” award Community Pride Awards.
“We are incredibly proud of Camille for using her voice to champion change,” said a spokesperson from Millthorpe School. “At Millthorpe, we celebrate diversity and encourage our students to stand up for what is right. Camille’s courage and leadership are an inspiration to us all.”
The York Press Community Pride Awards celebrate individuals who make a significant positive impact in their community. Camille’s nomination highlights not only a personal story of resilience but also the power of youth activism in challenging discrimination and inspiring change.
24 June 2025
;
