No longer is football a man’s game. Recent figures state that 140,000 women and girls are registered to play in clubs and affiliated in leagues nationwide and these numbers are increasing daily.
England’s women achieved huge success in the recent world cup in China and reached the knockout stages for only the second time in their history. Media coverage was better than ever with their final match being screened on BBC1. Sadly they lost out to the USA 3-0 but now the focus has returned to the Euro 2009 qualifiers. For more information on the National England Women’s team click on to the related link.
In Northamptonshire, we have two divisions in our Women’s County League in addition to 3 ladies teams playing in higher divisions. We also have many girl’s teams and mini soccer teams throughout the county competing in two leagues.
Whilst the number of girls and women playing football is increasing, there is still considerable work to be done to increase participation across the board in addition to ensuring that our best players reach their full potential.
In conjunction with Stephen Healy, our Girls and Women’s community coach, the aim will be to improve opportunities for women and girls to be involved in football.
Aims and objectives for the next 6 months and beyond……………
Improve links between Schools and clubs
Improve the pathways for female players from primary schools through clubs and secondary schools.
Create more opportunities for women returning to or starting to play football
Create more opportunities for minority female groups
Improve and develop our use of female coaches and their development
Create more opportunities for women and girls wanting to be involved in a club environment but not necessarily as a player
For further information on Women's and Girl's Football in Northamptonshire, please contact Kathryn Hall on 01604 678407 or by email: Kathryn.hall@northamptonshirefa.com.
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