A development journey: Hannah Jones and Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

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Hannah’s passion for being a leader, an innovator, and a mentor to women and girls in sports stems from her own experiences. Through, her club Rotherham United, she has been able to pursue a career focused on her desire to better the experiences of others.

She said: “I currently hold a position within the FA Leadership Academy, which is designed to develop people as leaders, to plan, deliver and develop a project to impact the football community and the wider football community. Due to my own experiences, I focused my project on developing women footballers and women in the sport generally, giving them a sense of belonging in football, as well as producing and recognising talent.”

Hannah attended Rotherham United Community Sports Trust college programme before enrolling onto their BA hons Degree in Community Coaching and development run in partnership with University of South Wales.

With an abundance of experience and skills in numerous programmes the Trust offers from education to health and wellbeing, Hannah is an individual that is focused on providing and empowering every participant, colleague, friend she encounters especially in women’s sport.
As part of the Female Development Programme whilst on the degree course, Hannah has had a plethora of opportunities to better her future, and shape that of others. The programme seeks to address the under-representation of women across the Football and Sport’s Coaching degree courses that are run at over 40 CCOs.

The programme was established in 2021 to ensure all women on the course were offered a tailored programme of opportunities to expand their knowledge and confidence with women from other Clubs. By ensuring an inclusive environment, with opportunities to network and hear from like-minded professionals in the sport the programme ensures that the students on the degree course are provided with the opportunity to upskill and build confidence.

Throughout the year they have access to a variety of events that feature female professionals from a variety of roles within sport. Speakers to date have included, senior Member of the EFL Trust who have shared their experience of working in Sport, Daisy Croker who referees on the FA Women’s National League and the U21s Professional Game Academy League. The next speaker will be Charlotte Healy, Manchester United Women’s Assistant Coach who will discusses her journey and progression her from role as a community coach at Derby County Community Trust to the pinnacle of English football in the Women’s Super League. With just 12 students involved in its first year, last year the number trebled to 36 students engaged in the programme.

She explains: “The development of women and girls within a sporting environment is something that I do have concerns for and am passionate about in terms of developing. By providing this opportunity to our female students it will create an inclusive, welcoming, and quality experience.”

The USW course has allowed Hannah to feel a sense of belonging. More so, it has allowed Hannah to develop and produce ideas to inspire the next generation that could lead to a huge, successful future for women in sport whether that be Hannah’s influence on them both on and off the pitch.

The University of South Wales allows students to gain practical experience in their desired nature of work, whilst allowing for a blended learning approach where students have both face-to face and online learning. The courses which are hosted at your local football club has a huge emphasis on gaining real world learning through placements with students only having to attend the University for short residential periods.

She comments: “The whole experience will give the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals; students like yourself, perhaps past students, and those who work within the sporting industry. This will allow us to be our best selves, unite as one; acting together as one within the movement where we can strive to empower each other to realise potential and develop.”

It is evident that Hannah has the ability to inspire change through her selfless desire to improve and aid those around her. With already a plethora of strings to her bow, Hannah’s aspirations have no limit.

She said: “After completion of the 2-year course with USW, I hope to enrol onto the Sports Coaching and Development top-up degree, after which I would like to enrol onto a PGCE to follow the path into sports teaching, school and education. Alongside this I wish to continue my current coaching path; I’m soon to complete my FA Level 1, after which I hope to progress up the ladder in coaching badges (across multiple sports) and potentially begin my refereeing experience.”

Click here to find out more about the degree 

Destined for Greatness: Taya’s Journey to becoming a Lioness.

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Taya like most began her footballing journey out of pure enjoyment but it soon became evident that she was destined for higher heights.

As her journey continued to progress, as did her ability, commitment, and desire. Consequently, Plymouth Argyle realised her potential and referred her to the Talent Inclusion Programme to ensure she fulfilled it. As a result of her ability, she had shown enough to the scouts to be monitored for a number of seasons to be assessed and continue to develop.

Delivered in partnership with The FA, the Talent Inclusion Programme ensures that through the existing community activities delivered by 53 EFL Club Community Organisations (CCOs), female participants can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway.  The EFL Trust network works in some of the most deprived communities in England.  Recognising that social class, ethnicity and demographics should not be a barrier to success the programme creates a pathway from community to full England honours. Each Club through its community organisations develops their own programme plan based on their expertise of the local area, taking into consideration known barriers faced by young girls.

Like many young footballers the news she had hoped for eventually came when she received an invite to attend an England training camp. She would be surrounded by the best players in her age group, coached by some of the best coaches in the country and experience what it is like to have the honour of representing your country.

She said: “Being called up to England U16’s has been a huge highlight of my footballing journey for me so far. Getting the news, I had been chosen to attend the camp was a shock for me, I was delighted and very emotional when I was told that I had been called up to attend the camp. All my family were thrilled and so proud of me.’

At 11 years old, she was playing on the playground with the boys and just a year later she had trialled and signed for Plymouth Argyle. Between the fun of the playground and the excitement of the next level at Plymouth Argyle she joined local grassroots team, Signal box Frankfort. Her love for the game was ever growing, playing with friends, training during the week, and looking forward to gameday on Saturday.

At a summer tournament with her team, was when Taya’s football trajectory changed, as she was asked to attend the trials for her current side Plymouth Argyle.

Ryan Perks, Plymouth Argyle Women’s Team Manager comments: “’Taya is another hugely talented player with have at this football club. Taya is a fantastic girl both on and off the pitch and works tirelessly to improve her game.”

 

 

To find out more about the Talent Inclusion Programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/talent-inclusion.

 

Nottingham Forest and Nottingham Hospitals Charity launch ‘Hat-Trick for Hospitals’ initiative

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Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Nottingham Hospitals Charity have launched a new partnership to fundraise for improvements to patient care in Queen’s Medical Centre, City Hospital, Ropewalk House, and Nottingham Children’s Hospital.

The first campaign in the partnership is ‘Hat-Trick for Hospitals’ whereby they are advocating for supporters and members of the public to take three steps to fundraise £75, in return for their efforts they will receive an exclusive Nottingham Forest shirt.

The hat-trick of steps are as follows:

  • Step one – Sign up via JustGiving to do your thing! Supporters can fundraise in their chosen way, whether that’s baking, running, or maybe even sponsored keepy-uppies.

 

  • Step two – Raise £75 or more through your chosen fundraising challenge.

 

  • Step three – Once you’ve completed your fundraising, your exclusive shirt will be posted out to you – hat-trick complete!

 

Sign up here. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your shirt to arrive.

 

All money raised through Hat-trick for Hospitals will be split equally between Nottingham Hospitals Charity and Nottingham Forest Community Trust.

The fundraising challenge will help support the Youth Service at Nottingham Hospitals, and Nottingham Forest Community Trust in empowering local communities to live healthier and happier lives.

Graham Moran, BEM, Chief Executive Officer of Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said, “I am thrilled that we have launched this fundraising campaign with Nottingham Hospitals Charity. By coming together, we can harness the power of football to encourage fans and the public to raise funds for two Nottingham based charities with a track record of providing invaluable support where it is needed for our local communities. We are committed to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of local people and the funds raised will be vital in achieving this. We hope Forest fans will get behind this campaign and play their role in making the campaign a great success.”

Barbara Cathcart, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Nottingham Forest Community Trust on this fantastic project. We hope the Hat-trick for Hospital’s challenge will offer Forest fans and other members of the local community a chance to do something fun to support their local NHS, and we think they will love the limited edition shirt they receive as a thank you!

“The money raised will make a huge difference to young patients here at Nottingham Hospitals, and the extra services, facilities and support we’re able to offer them during their time in hospital.”

To find out more and sign up click here.

JORDAN RHODES VISITS ORCHARD PRIMARY BREAKFAST CLUB!

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As we reflect on Saturday’s World Food Day, Orchard Primary Academy’s Breakfast Club received a surprise visit form Huddersfield Town striker, Jordan Rhodes.

The school in Chickenley, Dewsbury, is one of 41 Kirklees schools to have a Breakfast Club facilitated by the football club’s registered charity, the Town Foundation. A reflection of an unprecedented year cannot be more prevalent than on World Food Day whereby many families have struggled to ensure they were able to provide food.

A study from academics at the University of Sheffield using food poverty statistics collated by the Food Foundation found a staggering 12.02% of adults in Kirklees were worried about having enough food.

Not only do these projects provide vital food and nourishment to those most in need but also allow children the safe space to socialise. Jordan joined in with the children in attendance playing a variety of games with them as well as allowing them time to talk and ask questions.

The Town Foundation continues to support their local community through a variety of initiatives and partnerships such like their work with the Salvation Army in Mirfield to provide food parcels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These have been distributed to 270 families identified as being most in need by the Foundation’s partner schools thus far, with families of Orchard Primary Academy among the beneficiaries.

Gabi: “I thought it might be difficult being one of few girls on the team – but everyone is treated exactly the same.”

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To mark International Women’s Day 2018, EFL Trust have highlighted the efforts of motivated teenager Gabrielle Richardson, who has ambitions of becoming a full-time PE teacher.

Gabrielle, who is a current student on the EFL Trust Futsal and Education programme with Mansfield Town in the Community, says the support she has received from the club on her education pathway has been second to none.

After undertaking her GCSE’s and not getting the grades she had initially hoped for, the 16-year-old was unsure of what route to take next.

However an opportunity to go on the Traineeship programme with Mansfield Town helped to set her on a career pathway.

The EFL Trust Traineeship programme is designed to help those struggling academically to gain work experience and learn new skills based at a professional football club.

For 3 months, students spend 3 days a week shadowing professional members of club staff and community football coaches whilst obtaining valuable insight into working in the variety of opportunities in sport and leisure.

It was during her time as a trainee when Gabrielle realised her career aspiration – to become a full-time PE teacher.

She commented: “The Traineeship programme was brilliant for me and the staff at the club have been so supportive from day one.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to coach young children the most. It’s so fulfilling as I was in their position once and to pass on your knowledge and experience is the best.

“Coaching and inspiring young people has made me realise I would really love to one day become a PE teacher.’’

After completing the Traineeship, Gabrielle enjoyed her time with Mansfield Town that much, she continued onto the club’s BTEC Futsal and Education Programme.

Gabrielle is one of three females out of 13 students on the programme and admits she felt a little reluctant about this at first.

She continued: “At first, I thought it might be quite difficult being one of few girls on the team, but it’s never been an issue.

“You see no difference in training and the lads really accepted us from day one – we’re all treated exactly the same.

“I would highly recommend the Futsal and Education Programme to anyone.’’

Looking forward, as well as achieving the results she wants, Gabrielle is also hoping to become a female role model at a local school next year, working alongside the school’s female football development coach.

Elizabeth Regan, Education Officer at Mansfield Town in the Community, has been supporting Gabrielle throughout her time as a trainee and on the Futsal programme.

Elizabeth commented: “When Gabrielle first started with us, she was very quiet and wasn’t really sure what she wanted to do.

“It was clear from day one that she is very pro-active in getting involved with everything and is brilliant at coaching the young children, she is a fantastic female role model.

“She has really developed her confidence and I have no doubt that if she continues to work hard, she would one day make a fantastic PE teacher.’’

To find out more about the EFL Trust Futsal and Education programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/futsal/

 

International Women’s Day – 8th March

March 8 sees the annual International Women’s Day campaign kick-off for the year ahead, with this year’s theme focusing around #PressforProgress.

Now, more than ever, there’s a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. A strong call to #PressforProgress. A strong call to motivate and unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.

International Women’s Day is not country, group or organisation specific. The day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. So together, let’s all be tenacious in accelerating gender parity. Collectively, let’s all Press for Progress.

To find out more visit: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

 

EFL Kids Cup finalists in safe hands at Rovers

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Blackburn Rovers goalkeepers David Raya and Jayson Leutwiler offered their support to the club’s EFL Kids Cup finalists Whitefield Primary by hosting a special hour long training session with the school.

The training session, which was held on the 4G surface at Priory Academy in Penwortham, Preston, was in preparation for the regional finals of the competition next month.

Raya and Leutwiler held a variety of different sessions including passing, dribbling and of course, their speciality, goalkeeping, for the primary schools young shot stoppers.

The children finished off with a mini game between themselves, which provided Raya and Leutwiler the opportunity to observe and offer any advice leading up to Whitefield’s EFL Kids Cup showdown in March at Wigan Athletic’s Robin Park Arena.

A win for Whitefield and Rovers will see the South Ribble based primary school don the famous blue and white jersey at Wembley Stadium in May in the EFL Kids Cup final ahead of the League One Play-Off final.

Leutwiler, who lives less than a mile away from Whitefield, hopes they can go all the way and reach the EFL Kids Cup final at the home of English football.

“We were there to offer advice and help Whitefield prepare for their matches coming up,” admitted the Canadian international.

“They all seemed to enjoy the training session we put on and straight away we could tell how much they love football.

“They are now playing for a chance to reach Wembley and I am sure it will be a dream come true for them if they can go all the way. I really hope they do well and I wish them all the best in the regional finals.”

To find out more information about the EFL Kids Cup visit: www.efltrust.com/kidscup/

HRH Duke of Cambridge lends support to Cambridge United’s ambitious new community strategy – Gameplan 2020

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Cambridge United Community Trust received support from His Royal Highness Prince William the Duke of Cambridge as they launched Game Plan 2020, the Club’s new strategy for community work over the next three years.

Game Plan 2020 builds on Cambridge United Community Trust’s work to date and adds a further 12 programmes. The 30 initiatives across the areas of health, education and inclusion all aim to help create a fairer and more prosperous Cambridge for all.  It includes new projects in mental health, literacy and loneliness alongside deepening existing work in disability sports, science in schools and volunteering. Details of all projects can be read here.

In his foreword to the strategy document Game Plan 2020 HRH The Duke of Cambridge said:

“Cambridge United is a very close neighbour of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where I was a pilot for two years, at the heart of a community to which I have a very strong personal connection. It is encouraging to see how active the Club is in the local area – from running lunch clubs for pensioners through to hosting disability football sessions for all groups. The Club’s new mental health programme for young people is particularly innovative and important.

“Cambridge United is the epitome of a good community-based Club. The ambition of the Cambridge United Community Trust, on behalf of the Club in the local community, is one that many other football clubs – big and small – could learn from across the Country. It is great to see Cambridge United raise this ambition further and look to build on their outstanding community work of recent years. By focusing even more help on those who need it most, the Trust will ensure thousands of local people can benefit from the positive power of football. Good luck with the important work.”

Tracey Crouch, Sports Minister, said “It is great to see Cambridge United using the power of sport to have such a positive impact in their local community. Their new strategy – Gameplan 2020 – will build on the great work of their Community Trust and am sure will be a big success. I am particularly pleased to see the Club starting a new mental health programme in schools next year. I know myself just how sport can make such a difference to a person’s mental well being.”

Martin Glenn, CEO of the Football Association, said: “The work of the Cambridge United Community Trust is a shining example of how a professional football club can be a true force for good in its local community. It is great to see the Trust extending the chance to play the game to every part of society – from people with different disabilities to senior citizens who still love to kick a ball. The Club is now setting out its new ambitions to do even more to tackle inequality and provide opportunity. Everyone at the FA wishes them every success with these exciting plans.”

Graham Daniels, Chair of Cambridge United Community Trust, said: “Everyone associated with Cambridge United is honoured that HRH The Duke of Cambridge has endorsed our community work in this way. We are proud to have such high level support for the important work of our Trust from Government and the Football Association. It is testament to the hard work and passion of all the staff and volunteers who have done so much to drive the Trust’s work since it was formed. The Trust has been an important symbol of the Club’s desire to become a genuine community club that uses the power of sport to help every part of Cambridge wherever we can, 7 days a week.

“Cambridge is a fantastic global city. It is world class in so many different ways. And we are proud that our Club is based here. It is also however a city which is home to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country – many of whom live very close to our home at the Abbey Stadium. The Abbey Ward has, for example, the highest degree of child poverty in Cambridge.

“The social responsibility to do more for these groups and to help close the inequality gap falls at least in part to organisations such as Cambridge United through the Community Trust. We believe that Gameplan 2020 with its 30 programmes focused on the areas of health, education and inclusion can help create a fairer and more prosperous Cambridge for all.”

– Trust to increase number of community programmes to 30 to help all parts of the City

– Tracey Crouch, Sports Minister, and Martin Glenn, CEO of the FA, also endorse Trust’s work

First Women’s Walking Football Competition Honours Pioneers

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The very first women’s national walking football tournament is set to take place in Preston, Lancashire on Sunday 2nd July 2017 to commemorate 100 years of the Dick, Kerr Ladies.

In the history of women’s football, The Dick, Kerr Ladies are the most successful team in the world. They were formed at the Dick, Kerr & Co Ltd munitions factory in Preston, Lancashire during the First World War, these very ordinary factory girls from Preston quite literally took the country by storm.

On Christmas Day 1917, 10,000 spectators came to Deepdale, the home of Preston North End Football Club, to witness the start of the most phenomenal success story in the history of women’s sport. Dick, Kerr Ladies notched up the first of many famous victories whilst raising £600 for wounded soldiers.

On Boxing Day 1920, 53,000 spectators packed into Goodison Park, Everton, to see the Dick, Kerr Ladies take on St Helens Ladies, with another 14,000 people locked out and unable to gain admission to the ground. Another victory was recorded for the Dick, Kerr team and an incredible amount of £3,115 was raised for charity.

During the War the Government appointed women welfare supervisors and sent them into the factories to oversee the physical well-being of the factory girls and encourage the development of sporting activities. Among those activities was football, and football became the official sport of the munitions girls. Almost every factory across the United Kingdom involved in war work, had a ladies football team.

Incredibly, in 1921 the FA banned womens football, setting back the development of the womens game for decades. However, the Dick, Kerr ladies continued to play football around the world until 1965 leaving behind a glittering legacy.

For more on the story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies visit www.dickkerrladies.com

Tournament Details

The first national women’s walking football competition will be held in Preston on 2nd July 2017 to commemorate 100 years of the Dick, Kerr Ladies.

  • Teams of 6-A-Side Women (squad of up to 9 women players with flexi-substitutions)
  • Two age groups – Over 40’s and Over 50’s
  • Over 50’s Teams must consist of over 50’s Women (with two women players under 50 permitted, but with only one under 50 on the pitch at any time)
  • Over 40’s Teams must consist of over 40’s Women (with two women players under 40 permitted, but with only one under 40 on the pitch at any time)
  • National Tournament Official Rules and more information at www.walkingfootballunited.co.uk
  • Entry fee £30 per team – plus admin fee of £2.45 if booking online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dick-kerr-ladies-cup-national-womens-walking-football-
  • tournament-tickets-28311050113
    Closing date for entries 30th April 2017.

For further information contact [email protected]

First Ever Over 30’s Football Festival for Women

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Women from the generation that missed the female football revolution took a trip to Wembley at the weekend to enjoy the first ever EFL Trust Football festival for women aged over 30. The Festival at Lucozade Powerlegue saw over 80 women take part across 8 teams representing 6 clubs: Crawley Town, AFC Wimbledon, Swindon, Brentford, Dagenham and Redbridge and Coventry City. The talented AFC Wimbledon took the winning titles for both the plate and the cup on the day, whilst Sue Keeka from Brentford took the title for top goal scorer.

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Being the EFL Trust’s first ever football festival for Women aged over 30, morale was high and the day was fun filled. This gave the ladies the opportunity to display the skills they practice in weekly sessions in a competitive but relaxed environment, whilst socialising with ladies of similar ability and background.

Former Millwall Lionesses player, and FFD ambassador Dionne Lennon made an appearance on the day and was thrilled to support the ladies and see the skills on show, she commented: “What an amazing day…. It was great speaking to some of the players and hearing their stories about why they started playing football and what it has done for them was fantastic. The atmosphere was great despite the competitive edge to the games!  It was a real pleasure to attend.”

Last year, The Crawley Cogs developed sessions specifically for older ladies, the generation that missed the female football revolution. These sessions were developed specifically for ladies who have an interest and passion for football but have stood on the side lines for years: mums of grass roots players, season ticket holders, and anyone who may not have had the opportunity to participate before. From there there has been a progression in the development of over 30’s football teams. Evidently, there has been a real boom in participation in the older age range.  With over 500 women aged 30 and above now actively playing football with our clubs, there has been a 346% increase on year 1 of the FFD programme.

Carol Bates, one of the founding members of COGS, added: “It was fantastic to see so many over 30s ladies take part in the first ever tournament of its kind, nationally. After starting with 10 ladies at our first COGS session it was incredible to think that this had led to teams from other EFL Clubs coming together and enjoying football.”

We caught up with some of the COG’s players and they had a chat with us about why they love football:

Rachel Pavlou from the FA commented:

“We are delighted that the EFL Trust provided such a fantastic opportunity for these women to play football and we would like to thank all the clubs that took part… The FA has an ambitious target of doubling female participation and so initiatives like this, to provide opportunities for women over the age of 30, are crucial in helping us achieve these aims… many of these women have barely played football as there haven’t been the chances for them before, so we hope that this encourages them to keep playing the game. We would also like to thank Powerleague for providing the facilities as part of the good work that they are doing to increase the number of women that play football in their centres.”

 

Women Over 30’s Festival at Wembley’s Powerleague: Preview

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Ladies around the country are preparing for the Women over 30’s Festival as Wembley’s Powerleague this weekend!

This will be the first ever football tournament for women over 30, hosted by the EFL Trust, and funded through the Female Football Development (FFD) programme.

With a 346% increase in women’s participation in the first year of the FFD Programme, 500 women over the age of 30 are now playing football with EFL clubs. The boom in participation has meant the demand for competitive football has increased and this festival, taking place outside of Wembley Stadium  has presented a fantastic opportunity to do so.

There will be 8 teams taking part, representing 6 clubs;

AFC Wimbledon, Coventry City, Swindon Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Crawley COGS, and Brentford.

All of the women taking part are over 30 years old, many of which missed the female football revolution, many of these women have never had the opportunity to play at this level before, with the oldest participant being 56! This programme has had countless benefits for the ladies, allowing them to socialise with other women similar to themselves, as well as get fit in a fun, and non-discriminatory environment.

Nicol Meredith, Project Manager of the FFD Programme comments:

“The FFD programme has come on leaps and bounds since it begun and has brought the benefits of sport to women and to girls who previously might not have considered playing football. The relaxed, social atmosphere has encouraged thousands of players back to the sport who previously left the game. The ladies find it extremely the sessions liberating so to now play in the first Over 30’s women’s festival at Wembley has presented them with an opportunity not to be missed!”

Former Millwall player, and FFD ambassador, Dionne Lennon is delighted to be making an appearance at Powerleague on the day and is looking forward to seeing the skills on display. She commented:

“The Female Football Development programme is brilliant and has really made an impact. The EFL Trust has done a fantastic job getting women back into playing football and attracting those who have never had the chance to play this great game. It’s a pleasure for me to have been asked by Millwall Community Trust to be their  FFD Ambassador and I am really looking forward to be attending the tournament on Sunday and any future inovlement to support and grow the women’s game even further.”

We would like to thank Sport England and the FA for funding this programme, as well as Lucozade Powerleague for providing their pitches on the day and working along side us to further enhance female football participation.