Girls’ football

Last updated 16:00, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

WITH the continued growth in girls’ football in Cumbria, it is hoped that girls will be able to play football in their own Under-12 League in West Cumbria from September.

The Cumberland FA is currently working with the West Cumbria Youth League and local Charter Standard Clubs in the area to support the girls player pathway in the west of the county. The targeted age group is girls currently in Years 5 and 6.

With support from Tesco and the National Sport Foundation, there are a number of schemes running in the area to attract girls to local clubs.

The Cumberland FA have set up School-Club Link Schemes in Workington, Whitehaven and Maryport as well as supporting clubs in Egremont, Bransty, Parton and Seaton.

Work is also under way to set up a similar scheme in Cleator Moor.

The Whitehaven School-Club link kicked off last Thursday at the home of Whitehaven Amateurs. Girls from local primary schools have been invited along to attend coaching sessions run by Cumberland FA coaches working alongside coaches from the Charter Standard Club.

Currently, girls can only play football in mixed teams up until the age of 11. Previously there has been no exit route for these girls to play football in a league in this area of the county until the entering the County League at Under-16 level.

Helen Aitchison, girls and women’s football development officer, says: “From working with the clubs and the local league, it is hoped that girls in West Cumbria will be able to play in a league which in time will no doubt be as strong as anywhere in Cumbria.”

For further information on any of the schemes or girls/women’s football, can contact Helen Aitchison on 01900 872310 or Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com.