Actonians LFC Women's New to Football Sessions

The Pitch

Problem statement

Women's football is the fastest growing sport in the UK but there is a shortage of places to play for adult women who are not ready or interested in joining a competitive environment. Following the Lionesses success last summer, we have seen an increased interest in women new to football wanting to join us, on average we are getting 5 emails a week. Although the number of organised teams have increased by 30% since 2021, there are many women that currently have nowhere to play due to lack of previous experience, in many cases they are the lost generation who were not allowed to play at school but are now able to play the sport they love, this also includes women from ethnic minorities.

Solution

To be able to meet current demand and cater for everyone who wants to play we would like to set up new casual sessions. Funding would be spent on hiring extra pitch space to run the training sessions as well as sending a new volunteer female coach on a coaching course. We would also need some equipment (balls, bibs, cones and 1st aid equipment). Once up and running, sessions will be made sustainable by charging a small fee. Our aim is to offer football to any female who wants to play regardless of background or ability and this funding would help us provide a way in for women who otherwise may not have the chance to take part in sport. We aim to engage 30-40 women in these sessions.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

As one of London's biggest female clubs we have many years experience in delivering sessions as well as running teams. We have a friendly, open and inclusive ethos where everyone can be themselves no matter who they are and this has created an environment that people want to be part of. Having built the club from scratch, from 1 park team to 12 teams of all age groups, over the last 20 years we know how to welcome new people and make it an enjoyable experience. We have the skills, willingness and enthusiasm to expand further and welcome more players into our football family. We are also located 5 minutes walk from a tube station and offer free parking, making travelling to us easy and safe.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

30 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

We want to create a new team to enter a beginners league next season and continue with casual sessions for those not interested in competitive football. We aim to engage 30-40 females in regular exercise and offer affordable access to coached sessions for everyone regardless of ambition. We want to help create healthy habits and offer a chance for regular exercise in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. Many women have never had the chance to be part of a sporting team environment, this will offer that at the level that suits them without pressure. For those who want to take it more seriously, we can offer a pathway into competitive football. We want to be a one stop shop for all female footballers and remove any barriers they may have faced in the past.

Track record

With over 20 years of providing football activities in West London we have kept growing the club from 1 women's team to 3 as demand has increased while also increasing the quality of the provision in terms of facilities and coaching. The club also have 9 junior girls teams and many of our players have been with us for 10 years or more.