A UCFB tutor has been selected to speak in front of world leaders at the UN to discuss gender equality.

Jennifer Lace, who is also Burnley FC’s performance psychologist, was nominated as a woman of the future in the Northern Power Women Top 50 Future list.

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The inaugural list recognises the influencers, leaders and change makers of the future who are already making a difference in their communities.

For winning the category, Mrs Lace will spend a fortnight in New York where she will visit the UN and discuss the world’s toughest topics with world leaders.

She said: “I came out of the football club on a Thursday evening back in January to receive an email to say I had been nominated.

“I was extremely surprised and started the search for who had nominated me and why. I still do not know who nominated me but I would like to thank them.

“Little did I know that this would be the start of one of the best journeys in my life.

“I am still unsure as to why they nominated me but I feel really grateful that somebody has recognised how hard I try to work each day, my commitment to both my professional roles, providing sport psychology and high-performance support at Burnley FC Academy, and as an academic tutor at UCFB.

“Because I am so busy every day with the demands of these roles, plus embarking on a journey with British Association of Sport & Exercise Science to become an accredited sport scientist, I guess I never take time to stop and reflect on my work, contribution or progression. To be nominated helped me feel I am valued and effective at what I do to keep going.

“The awards night to reveal the top 50 future list arrived, a stunning night put on by Northern Power Women where I met so many incredible ladies.

“People say never doubt yourself. With my sport psychology support work at the club, I should be the biggest advocate for this — but I felt insufficient in the room.

“Being involved with NPW has already brought me so many exciting opportunities. I have some great friends who are in the top 50 list and they are great women.

“In New York I am looking forward to developing my leadership skills and meeting more amazing people.”