41 girls from Kirkby Stephen Primary, Appleby, Brough, Ravenstonedale and Warcop came together to enjoy skills and small sided games as part of a school club link programme with Kirkby Stephen Junior Football Club. Each primary school in the cluster got the chance to receive a taster session before Christmas for girls to raise the profile of girl’s football and promote the club to encourage new players into the game. The festival this week, in partnership with Eden Valley Sports Partnership was organised to give girls another opportunity to take part in football and promote the upcoming sessions that are being run by the club.
Westmorland County FA delivered the session to girls in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 with the help of a Football Futures Volunteer. The girls participated in their warm up and skills practices with enthusiasm and school rivalries were put aside as players made new friends throughout the morning.
Following the small sided matches to finish off the morning, the girls were presented with certificates as well as England Women postcards and information on the Kirkby Stephen JFC sessions starting next week.
All players (and teachers) left the sports hall with smiles and headed back to school for a well deserved lunch.
Helen Aitchison, Girls and Women’s Football Development Officer said “It was a fantastic morning; the girls were a pleasure to coach as every one of them put in 100% effort. The aim of the morning was to encourage girls to join a club outside school and we are hoping to see plenty of the girls next week at the first session.”
The sessions, start on Wednesday 18 January from 6 -7pm and take place at Kirkby Stephen Sports Hall. Girls can register by contacting Helen Aitchison and each session costs £1.
Initial sessions will take place on 18 and 25 January and Wednesday 1 February 2012.
For more details please contact Helen Aitchison, Girls and Women’s Football Development Officer on 07918083637 or email Helen.Aitchison@WestmorlandFA.com