Read about how Leisure United hubs break the bias and celebrate women and girls in football this International Women’s Day!
From toddler sessions, through to the dedicated Wildcats initiative, school camps, leagues, tournaments and female-focused training sessions and coaching, we design our programming to appeal to women and girls.
We are incredibly proud that Leisure United hubs already attract so many girls and women. 36% of total football visits to Leisure United hubs were made by females, across all age groups. This has been achieved by programming and careful targeting. But we are not resting on our laurels. Based in the heart of the community, we are well placed to entice women into their boots, and onto the pitch. One example is recognising a captive audience in the mums and female guardians who come to watch their kids take part in children and youth activities. We organise activities for them during the kids sessions. From this learning and trial in one hub, came an initiative that rolled out across all ten hubs… with more to come!
Our first-class facilities are in use by professional clubs’ ladies’ teams too. Sheffield United Ladies “Steel City” utilise Leisure United Thorncliffe for training and matches for all but the first team. Liverpool FA Women’s National League and the Liverpool FC women’s regional talent centre as well as Everton Women Elite, use our Liverpool hubs. It’s such an inspiration for our younger players to see those at the top of the sport in the same venues as them.
We eagerly anticipate the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 championship this summer. England is the host nation with 3 group C games and a semi-final being played at Bramall Lane – home of Sheffield United, one of our partner clubs. We are proudly part of the Women’s Legacy Group for Sheffield and will be supporting the group at national level with the aim for the Women’s Euro 2022 to create inspiration for participation at a recreational level, regardless of age or ability.
Our hubs are gearing up to get involved too, with a raft of tournaments, competitions and giveaways lined up around the competition. Keep an eye on our social channels to get in on the action. Our aim is to encourage as many girls and women as possible, to participate in football at Leisure United.
So please, don’t just spectate! Break the bias, get off the bench and onto the pitch, our changing room doors are open… get in-volved!
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