BIRMINGHAM COUNTY FA HAS TEAMED UP WITH LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND FA AND STAFFORDSHIRE FA TO DEVELOP LOCAL FEMALE-ONLY DISABILITY FOOTBALL OPPORTUNITIES.

Over the past two years, Birmingham County FA has been involved in the hosting of an end-of-season Summer Festival at St. George’s Park for all Midlands-based junior and female adults teams. 

Off the back of the success of these events, feedback from all those involved - players, coaches and parents - provided an overwhelming response, stating that more opportunities needed to be created to follow on from the Summer Festival.

As a result, in 2018/19, a bespoke Female Development League, which factors in more playing time and provides a fantastic experience for existing players and newcomers to the game, has been developed.

The inaugural event took place at Aston Villa Academy in November and was a resounding success for all involved, with participants and spectators eagerly anticipating future events throughout the rest of the season.

Ashley, one of the star performers in the tournament, said: “I am glad you are here today to help my team out and all of my coaches, it has been fantastic.

"All of the players have been so welcoming throughout the day, it has been incredible.”

Two parents who attended the event added: “This kind of tournament is very limited for females particularly.

“It has been a really good experience for the girls by having small tournaments like this, there is a great sense of humility and togetherness between all participants.”

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INAUGURAL FEMALE DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE EVENT BELOW.

Birmingham County FA’s Disability Officer, Jasbir Batt, reflected: “We [Birmingham County FA] have made a real commitment to driving the female pathway. We understand clearly that opportunities are limited not only locally as well as nationally. However, as we build momentum eventually the word limited becomes unlimited.”

The Female Development League will see a minimum of three further events take place throughout the season. The next events will take place on the following dates at the listed venues: 

Saturday 9 February 2019 at Harborough Town Football Club, Leicestershire.

Saturday 13 April 2019 at Sporting Khalsa Football Club, Staffordshire.

Saturday 9 June 2019 at St. George’s Park - Two days after the start of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Everybody at Birmingham County FA would like to thank those that made the first event so successful. We look forward to seeing new and existing participants at the next event in February.

If you would like to know more, or be part of making a positive difference, please contact: Jasbir.Batt@BirminghamFA.com