Free football taster sessions for girls inspired by England’s Euros win this September

Girls inspired by England’s historic European Championship triumph are being invited to attend free football taster sessions in September by Ignite Sport.  

The sports coaching and education company will open doors at its RAW Charging Stadium headquarters in Marston – home of Oxford City FC – for the first three Wildcats Girls’ Football sessions of the new academic year.  

Free sessions will be delivered on Saturday, September 10th, 17th and 24th from 9am until 10am and are open to girls aged 5-11 of all playing abilities and experiences.  

Activities are non-competitive and encourage girls who have never played football before to make new friends, have fun and score lots of goals.  

Aliyah Anthony, Ignite Sport Coach and Oxford City Women’s Head Coach, hopes to see plenty of Oxfordshire girls take their first steps on the football field in a safe and secure environment.  

“The impact of England’s success at the European Championships will be felt across the UK for many years to come,” said Aliyah. “It’s been an extraordinary summer for women’s sport, and we want girls in Oxfordshire to have the opportunity to experience football and the benefits of participation.  

“Our Wildcats Girls’ Football programme is open to girls of all playing abilities and promotes the development of key skills including teamwork, communication and problem solving.  

“It’s important for young girls – and their parents – to understand provisions for women’s sport are out there. The memories and friendships they take away from these initial free sessions have the power to be life-changing and inspire a lifetime connection to football and sport generally.  

“Hopefully the incentive of free football encourages as many girls as possible in Oxfordshire to join us for a packed September of fun activities.”   

The offer follows a packed summer of football, cricket, multi-sport and art delivery by the Ignite Sport team across Oxfordshire under the Government’s Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) programme.  

Schoolchildren in receipt of free school meals were entitled to free activities and food throughout the six-week break – and hundreds took advantage.  

Aliyah added: “We really enjoyed seeing so many youngsters accomplish new achievements and develop their physical and social skills throughout the summer holidays.  

“Families across Oxfordshire are facing mounting challenges with the cost-of-living crisis set to worsen this winter.  

“HAF is so valuable to those who might otherwise struggle to fund sending their child to a holiday camp and we encourage residents to take advantage of our service in the future.”  

To register for a free Wildcats Girls’ Football session in September, visit www.ignitesporkuk.com and choose ‘Wildcats Girls Football’ from the Junior and Youth Football dropdown.  

The voucher code ‘EUROS22’ can be entered at check-out to receive a complementary session. Ignite Sport is also offering a free first session for players who attend its weekly development centre for teams at U10s to U16s level.  

Further information is available via office@ignitesportuk.com.