“A great example of inclusive football”

Last week we looked at some the great female football initiatives around the county to celebrate Girls’ Football Week. Today we look back at the final event of the week, held at Aston University on Friday.

Where:    Aston University Football Pitches
Who:       Further & Higher Education players
What:      Further & Higher Education Recreational Festival

On Friday, multiple Birmingham FA partners came together to round off a fantastic week of celebration around the female game.

The FA, the AoC Sport, BUCS, and many VIP guests joined Birmingham FA to support the delivery of a recreational football festival, held at Aston University.

A wide range of activities were on offer for students who were invited from local Universities and Colleges. From a recreational festival to a disability session, and FA Level 1 Coaching filming to Elite Goalkeeper sessions, there was something for everyone to get involved in.



This, according to BCFA Football Development Officer Rafe Turner, made the event so unique. He said: “The event was excellent with regards to the diversity of delivery that took place, making it a great example of inclusive football.

“All partners involved in delivery added fantastic support and value to make it a special day.

“Now we can all use this momentum to continue developing the female game across all formats”.

Over 70 students attended alongside a series of prestigious guests including Marianne Spacey (England Women's Senior Football Team Assistant Coach), Baroness Sue Campbell (The FA’s Head of Women’s Football), and FA Women’s Super League players Kerys Harrop and Emily Westwood of Birmingham City Ladies.

Developing opportunities in the women's game

The day was topped off with an insightful Q & A with the VIPs, with Baroness Sue Campbell challenging every player to introduce a friend to football and support the bid to double participation in the female game.

It is hoped that similar events in the future will help bring these different groups together, encourage further participation, and develop more opportunities for women to get involved in the game – in whatever guise that may take.

Birmingham FA would like to thank all the partners that came together to deliver the festival, the VIP guests that took the time to support, and, of course, all of those players that attended the event.

If you would like to find out more about how we’re supporting women’s football in your area, please contact Rafe.Turner@birminghamfa.com.