The last 5 years has seen girl’s football consolidate its position as the most popular sports in the country. There are nearly 50 club teams in Cumberland playing regular football from Under 10’s to Under 16’s taking part in local leagues in both West and East Cumbria and County Cup competitions.
The Tesco Cup for Girls at Under 14 and Under 16 gives teams the opportunity to represent the County in Regional and National competitions. These run alongside the Under 12 County Cup and the re-established Women’s County Cup to provide knockout opportunities for all age groups.
Futsal is high on the agenda for girls in the county, with playing opportunities in the winter. Cumberland FA are working with youth leagues in the county to make these sustainable and to aid the retention of players.
Cumbria Women’s League, now into its third season is included in The Women’s Football Pyramid giving Cumbrian teams the opportunity for promotion from the county league. The formation of the league now provides girls and women aged 16 and over with regular local football for the first time. More details on the Cumbria Women’s League can be found by clicking here.
School coaching and festivals are organised to ensure girls get the opportunity to play in a school environment. Taster sessions and School-Club link programmes are available to clubs to aid recruitment and retention of players. This enables a smooth transition in the player pathway for girls moving from schools to Charter Standard Clubs.
During season 2007/08, Cumbria was granted with a licence to run a Centre of Excellence, and over the past 4 years girls from across the County have taken part in a coaching and games programme. The Centre is one of 52 across the country with England selection for the girls the aim. Cumbria has had success in this, with players called up to both England training camps and selected to play in International fixtures.
For further information, please contact Helen Aitchison, Girls & Women’s Football Development Officer, on 01900 872310 ext. 21, or e-mail Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com
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Sports Coach UK and the Women’s Sport & Fitness Foundation (WSFF) have produced a series of factsheets, aimed at coaches who coach women and girls or who are interested in coaching them in the future.
Each factsheet provides insight into the female athlete and her needs, and guidance as to how better to coach and support her.
Please visit the related documents section for more information.