Newquay AFC Youth - Girls Squad
2
The Pitch
Problem statement
Women in Sport report that 43% of teenage girls who considered themselves to be sporty at primary school no longer see themselves that way. In the UK this equates to over 1.3 million girls. Girls loose their love of sport through the teenage years and this presents a significant psychological barrier through life. 61% of these lacked confidence and 68% say they fear being judged. Some reasons for this are early years stereotyping, inadequate opportunities and a lack of knowledge about managing female puberty. I manage Newquay under 10 girls football team and I want to avoid the girls that I coach becoming one of these statistics, I want to do this by providing opportunities and experiences.
Solution
We provide an inclusive environment that considers the players holistic experience of football prioritising fun and learning whilst developing the girls emotional and social well being as well as their technical and tactical ability. We are building a community by including siblings, parents and grandparents in the organisation and involvement of squad events. Hosting regular social events helping the families to bond and the girls to cement friendships away from the pitch. We want to create opportunities for the girls that take them outside of Cornwall and broaden their life experiences. This grant would help support the team attend a tournament creating memories for life.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Currently the only girls football team in Newquay, starting with just 8 players in 2021 we are now a squad of 20 with a waiting list. We plan to continue supporting the growth of girls football by adding a second team to the club in September of 2024. The growing numbers are testament to the positive and inclusive environment which we create. We have delivered a coach your mum night, taken the girls to watch WSL games and hosted county wide tournaments. Our girls love football not just because they are good players but because they spend time with their friends and feel valued, this builds confidence as well as combating gender stereotypes. Playing in a tournament will bring new challenges.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Tournament entry fee | £159 |
| accommodation for 12 players | £1,308 |
| Accommodation for 2 coaches | £218 |
Beneficiaries
12 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
I think that taking the girls away for a weekend will create lifelong memories and solidify the friendship bonds within the team. 100% of beneficiaries will experience positive physical benefits, improving cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular skeletal health. 100% of beneficiaries will benefit from socially, emotionally and psychologically. It will be challenging for the girls to play teams from all over the country, this will help build resilience and confidence and team spirit. Providing opportunities like this help the girls to have aspirations beyond the county lines and expands their appreciation of the opportunities that football can offer. By creating a community of support for the girls amongst their families and friends we will work together to combat the attrition statistics that affect girls in their teens. Impact is not always measurable. Its hard to quantify, fun, friendship, team spirit and lifelong memories.
Track record
The Newquay girls team started in 2021 with just 8 girls and now we have 20 in the squad with a waiting list. This is testament to the fact that we provide a safe and inclusive environment and that we prioritise fun over match results. The girls feel valued and cared for and we provide opportunities for them to grow and develop, not just as footballers but as leaders and good human beings.