Derbyshire FA recently hosted a two-day ‘Football 4 Gals’ course as part of the Kick it Out Weeks of Action. Football 4 Gals took place at the end of October and was open to girls aged 8-16. England and Leeds Carnegie defender, Laura Bassett, was in attendance to present the girls with certificates, goodie bags and Kick it Out posters.
Zbigniew Wojcik from the Eastern European Migrants Advice Committee (EMAC) and Michelle Shooter, a female police officer from Derbyshire Police were also in attendance to talk to the girls about their own role in the community.
“When I was young,” recalled Bassett, “there were no girls-only football festivals, so this programme is fantastic and the fact it focuses on respect, fair play and Kick it Out is even better.
“There are some great opportunities for the girls to join teams and develop their skills in a friendly and supportive environment. I always enjoy visiting grassroots football projects and I was delighted to provide a signed England shirt for a fair play award.”
Angie Harper, Women’s and Girls’ Football Development Officer for Derbyshire FA said: “It was a fantastic two-day event and it was great to see so many girls attending.”