"This type of session allows everyone to play the game for fun"

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

What:    Recreational session
Where:  University of Birmingham, Metchley campus
Who:     Adult female players

On Wednesday, the University of Birmingham invited students to join them in an open recreational session as part of a series of events held across the week.

Over 25 participants attended the session, all of whom are not currently involved in the University’s BUCS teams that play affiliated football on Wednesday afternoons.

In a relaxed and flexible atmosphere, the session involved small sided games and dizzy penalties.

“This sort of open session allows everyone to be equal and just play the game for fun” (event organiser).

“Not everyone wants to be in the top team, so this allows you to play and move up and progress when you want” (player).

From here, the participants have the opportunity to feed into the University’s recreational pathway, which includes regular Just Play session, intra-mural matches, and the Birmingham FA recreational league.

Then there is a clear pathway for progression into the BUCS teams that play affiliated football against other Universities on Wednesday afternoons.

The Girls’ Football Week initiative supports the University to increase participation which allows for the development of a wider variety of opportunities to get involved in the game.

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