Girls and Women’s football continues to grow with more players competing in affiliated competitions than any other team sport.
There has been an increase in the number of players, clubs, leagues and competitions since 1993; the number of players has increased from 10,400 to over 150,000 today.
The Active People survey in 2008 highlighted that 1.1 million girls and 260,000 women play some form of football in England. There are 26 million females playing across the world, of which 4.1 million are playing affiliated football – this is a 54% growth since the year 2000.
Over 16,000 females have successfully attained FA coaching qualifications and 1,300 female referees have been trained by The FA. Football is administered locally by 43 County FA's and The FA funds full-time football development staff in each County to deliver development programmes, with 47 specific Girls and Women’s Football Development Officers.
Women’s football has a well-regarded player pathway which steers talented girls from the beginnings of mini soccer at a young age right through to the Centres of Excellence and England teams. The number of national players emerging from these Centres is evidence of their success.
Whether you’re a beginner at Primary School or hitting your teens and have never played before, or maybe you’re in your 20s and want to get back in the game, there is an opportunity for you.
For further information please contact Gemma Gale, Girls and Women’s Football Development Officer at Sheffield & Hallamshire FA. Telephone 0114 2414992 or email gemma.gale@sheffieldfa.com