"These girls make me want to try football"

This week we will be highlighting some the great female football initiatives around the county to celebrate Girls’ Football Week. Today we look at one of the events delivered by the University of Birmingham.

What:      University of Birmingham Showcase – Inspiring a new generation of Young Lionesses
Where:    University of Birmingham, Metchley campus
Who:       University First Team & Secondary School pupils

A Women’s Football Showcase was organised by the University of Birmingham on Wednesday to give local school pupils an insight into University football and the pathways available to them to combine their education and participation in the sport.

Pupils were invited to speak with and interview players and gain an insight into their football journey. Discussions around the players’ challenges in the game, overcoming obstacles, and their passion for football provided an inspirational outlook on both University life and the female game.

Gemma Davies of the University of Birmingham commented: “Hopefully this event can encourage more young girls to get involved in the game, creating a pathway to play across all ages”.

One pupil participating said: “These girls make me want to try football, even if it’s not popular with everyone, because they have so much fun and have made friends through their team”.

On the back of Wednesday’s Showcase, the University will be delivering a School Sports Leaders Programme through which University students will lead monthly workshops and develop a toolkit for future leaders in the female game.

Birmingham FA would like to thank all those involved in delivering the showcase, providing positive role models that will inspire the next generation of female players.

For more information on football at the University, follow their dedicated Football Activator on Twitter: @UBSport_UFA.