Dozens of young girls from schools enjoyed a fun-packed morning of football training in Chester as part of a nationwide campaign.
Chester FC Community Trust, the charity arm of Chester Football Club, teamed up with credit card provider MBNA to provide this year’s FA’s nationwide initiative – #LetGirlsPlay Biggest Ever Football Session.
The Chester FC Community Trust #LetGirlsPlay event took place at the King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon.
On Wednesday, March 6, 50 young girls from Years 3 and 4 enjoyed a fun-packed morning of coaching sessions and games with Chester FC Community Trust and Chester School Sport Partnership at King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon. The attendees came from a mix of 10 different schools, both local to the Chester region and further afield.
To mark International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, the event is part of the UK-wide initiative to bring equal opportunities for women and girls in sport, and last year’s FA campaign saw more than 90,000 girls participate in the Biggest Ever Football Session.
Young girls enjoyed a fun-packed morning of football training.
According to data on the FA website, only 63 per cent of schools currently offer girls’ football in PE lessons. Due to this, and the drive for more equality in schools and clubs, Chester FC Community Trust have been empowering a change in sports, delivering sessions through its women’s and girl’s programmes.
These programmes engage 200 players each week, with sessions including Weetabix Wildcats, Girls’ Player Development Centre, FA Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre and Chester FC Women’s teams.
The Chester FC Community Trust #LetGirlsPlay event took place at the King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon.
The charity also works with schools in Cheshire West and Chester to grow and develop girls’ football through coaching sessions, extra-curricular clubs and inter-school events.
Victoria Dowd, MBNA community investment partnership manager, said: "The power of sports to drive positive change and empower young girls is immeasurable. MBNA is honoured to join forces with Chester FC Community Trust in supporting this initiative, encouraging equality and creating lasting impact in the lives of these girls.
The Chester FC Community Trust #LetGirlsPlay event took place at the King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon.
“The club’s Trust is a driving force in championing women and girls’ in sports, and the work they do within the community is truly empowering.”
Jim Green, chief executive at Chester FC Community Trust, said: “The campaign has been a huge success and the turnout at the event was brilliant.
The morning was part of a nationwide initiative to help get more girls playing football.
"Being able to coach and work with young girls who wouldn’t usually play football, and see their interest in the sport develop, is what our sessions like this are all about.
“We’re proud to have MBNA by our side supporting our women in sport initiatives, and we will always champion equality within sports.”
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