Locally, we’ve also noticed a growth in the popularity of women’s football. In January of this year, a group of women clubbed together to create @pitshanger.fc, a team that meets once a week at Trailfinders.
We spoke to Pitshanger FC player Rae, who told us how excited she is about the national change in attitude toward the sport: “I’ve always loved football and, as a teenager, played for a local team; but since then, I haven’t been sure how to get into the sport.
As well as developing the professional game, it is important to ensure that football is accessible to as many who want to enjoy it. As a forty-something-year-old woman, encouraging women in my friendship circle to play football has been a challenge. Many are resigned to the idea that it’s a man’s game and, in spite of me utilising my negotiation skills, many have greeted my invitations to play with a flat no! For some, the old-fashioned attitude is hard to change.
But for me, the women’s social football team has been a revelation. The coaching staff has made it clear from day one that it’s a safe space to learn, have fun & gain new skills. We started out with eleven women, a number which grew almost four-fold in less than 3 months.
The multitude of benefits include building new friendships, getting physically fitter, learning more about football, and improving general mental wellbeing.
Every week, I arrive and am so grateful that I’ve been able to fall in love with the game again. I highly recommend looking into women’s teams in your local area. Coach Daniel intends to make sure that as many women as possible have the opportunity to access social football locally and beyond.
I will be eagerly watching the next few Lionesses’ games and have already reserved our seats for the final. COME ON ENGLAND!”