Women's Walking Football
1
The Pitch
Problem statement
Women's Walking Football. Boldmere St Michaels FC has a thriving men's Walking Football section. We would like to create a women's section to encourage women to give football a go! The sessions will provide great benefits for women’s mental and physical health. The aim is to be inclusive, where players feel comfortable to join in, regardless of any football experience/ability - it is all about fun, fitness, and friendships!
Solution
The goal of the project is to increase participation of women in football; to encourage women (30 years plus) to exercise, be healthier, and get involved in their local community; to improve mental and physical health, and general wellbeing. The funding will be spent on balls, bibs, cones, pitch hire, and football kit (shirts, shorts, socks). The impact - women over 30, with no football experience, will be able to access football locally, improve their mental and physical health, and make great friends along the way!
Why are we best placed to deliver?
The 'Walking Mikes' (men’s section) has been a buoyant section of the club for five years. The players pay £5 weekly subs, and we have other fundraising activities, social nights, etc. The Women's Walking Football will run independently, but we will follow similar principles to make it a success. We will have the support of the Walking Football committee (Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary), and Club President. We will advertise on our social media sites - Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Also on the club website and in the First Team's matchday programme. Posters will be displayed in the clubhouse to encourage Mums on the sidelines to get involved.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| 4 sets of bibs | £52 |
| Football x 12 | £180 |
| Space markers x 2 sets | £20 |
| Cones x 20 | £30 |
| Football shirts, shorts, socks | £718 |
Beneficiaries
50 people
Expected impact
Women over 30, with no football experience, will be able to access football locally, improve their mental and physical health, and make great friends along the way! We will target Mums who have spent years on the sidelines watching their children play. Instead of sitting drinking, they will be doing something really positive, and feel a greater sense of self-worth by doing something for themselves, too.
Track record
I have played Walking Football with the men since it started at the club over 5 years ago. We have built up a section of over 75 men (and 2 women), who now train twice a week, play in the Walking Football league, and enter tournaments. We have had three successful international trips to Santa Ponsa, entering a 50+ and 60+ team in the Mallorca Walking Football tournament. The Women's Walking Football will run independently, but we will follow similar principles to make it a success.