Local girls encouraged to try out football
The BHAFC Foundation and American Express worked together to encourage young girls aged 9-11 to play football.
Around 60 girls from schools across Sussex had the opportunity to play football on the Community Pitch at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, Lancing, last week (13 March, 2024).
Delivered by the BHAFC Foundation in partnership with American Express, the event aimed to introduce young girls to the sport in a fun, non-competitive environment, demonstrating that everyone can feel welcome in football.
The day was designed specifically for girls who might be completely new to football, don’t play regularly, or have limited experience. With help from their schools, we invited girls who have shown an interest in football but perhaps didn’t have the confidence to get involved before.
Girls from Breakwater Academy, Cradle Hill Community Primary, Summerlea Community Primary, and Denton Primary all joined us for the event.
Our qualified football coaches ran skills-based football activities and challenges, and friendly small-sided games. Ten American Express colleague volunteers supported the smooth running of the day, assisted the coaches, and provided encouragement to the girls.
As Albion’s main club sponsor, American Express arranged a surprise appearance from women’s first team players Katie Robinson, Maisie Symonds, and Elisabeth Terland, who took part in a Q&A about their football experiences and gave out medals to the girls.
Beverly Sawyers , Senior Vice President at American Express, said: “Taster sessions like today open up the game to girls who have an interest in football but might not have had the opportunity or confidence to give football a go.
“It creates a level playing field in the sport regardless of ability. We hope it will encourage more girls to see football as a game for them and continue playing.”
This event forms part of the PLAY TOGETHER strand of American Express’ colleague volunteer programme, combining the power of football with the passion of American Express colleagues to support local communities across Sussex.