England forward Fran Kirby put her seal of approval on a new girls-only participation programme that was held at Bracknell Town.
The Lionesses star, who grew up in nearby Reading, was given a heroes’ welcome by a group of over 30 girls, and helped Bracknell Town’s Carol Checkley and Tina Leahy deliver a coaching session as part of the U11 programme being led by The FA and energy firm SSE.
Designed to help introduce more girls to the game, the programme offers the opportunity to learn the basics in a girls-only environment.
Kirby said: “It’s amazing to see so many girls taking part in these sessions.
“Women’s football has made huge strides over the past couple of years and the new programme from The FA and SSE is another step to help ensure that this progress continues.”
Checkley runs the programme and was delighted to receive a visit from Kirby.
Fran Kirby took part in a Q&A in Bracknell
She said: “We’ve had brilliant support and I feel very grateful to both SSE and The FA for the funding which helps make this possible.
“Bracknell Town chairman Chris Day has always provided huge encouragement to the project and I feel so overwhelmed by seeing so many girls coming along to the sessions, enjoying themselves and making new friends. I hope more clubs get on board and get more girls on the football field.”
The programme has already seen more than 60 clubs from across the country sign up to receive funding to create girls-only coaching sessions and build new squads for girls. A number of FA WSL clubs, including Arsenal, Yeovil Town and Durham, are also involved.
SSE's director of human resources, John Stewart, said: “SSE is exceptionally proud to be sponsoring the SSE Women’s FA Cup and supporting the grassroots game, inspiring and encouraging more girls to take up the sport.
“For us this sponsorship not only brings huge awareness at the senior level of the game but most importantly will help dramatically increase the opportunities for girls to get involved in football.
“We’re delighted so many teams have signed up to take part and are helping deliver coaching sessions across the country to the next generation of footballers.”
To find out more about the work SSE are doing in women’s football as part of their #GirlsUnited campaign visit www.SSE.co.uk/girls-united
The Lionesses are next in action on Thursday 15 September when they entertain Estonia at Meadow Lane in their final UEFA Women's Euro 2017 qualifier.
Tickets are on sale now, priced £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for children.
A family ticket is available, via phone booking only, priced £15 (two adults and two children) while group booking discounts apply.
Tickets can be bought via www.TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0115 955 7210.
