70 girls inspired at free football day in Lancing
A football day designed to encourage more young girls to take part in the sport took place last month.
Nearly 70 girls aged 5-13 from across Sussex took part in a free football day on the Community Pitch at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre in Lancing.
The event was funded by American Express, the main sponsor of Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s team and was delivered by Albion in the Community.
The session forms part of their wider bespoke ‘LEARN, LIVE, PLAY Together’ volunteer programme which combines the power of football and passion for BHAFC with the time, energy and expertise of American Express colleagues, to help local communities across Sussex.
The PLAY Together strand of the programme was designed to introduce new people to football as a sport for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion, so that everyone feels welcome.
The event included warm ups, shooting, dribbling, small–sided matches and tournaments.
Girls of all playing abilities, including beginners, participated in practical drills to develop technical skills, increase self-confidence and encourage teamwork.
American Express colleagues helped organise the session and provided support as assistant coaches and match officials.
Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s goalkeepers Megan Walsh and Katie Startup dropped by to the session to offer encouragement and answer questions.
Nikki Edelman, Vice President at American Express, said: “Football is a powerful tool to inspire young people. Our partnership with the Club includes specific investment in women’s and girls’ football, as well as nurturing female talent and encouraging engagement in the sport.
“Sessions like today open up the game to girls at a young age, giving them the opportunity, encouragement and confidence to play and is part of our wider commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Matt Dorn, CEO at Albion in the Community, said: “Getting women and girls playing football is one of our key priorities, and the best way to do that is by reaching them at a young age.
“If taster days like today can get even a few girls playing football regularly and falling in love with the game, we’ll be very happy.”
Find out more about how we get women and girls playing football: https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/football-participation/developing-talent/women-girls/