Girls Hit The Back Of the Net As Campaign Is Hailed A Great Success

Over 300 girls at Great Academy Ashton took part in a day-long football match to raise awareness of female participation in the sport.

As part of the 'Let Girls Play' initiative, launched by the Football Association and supported by Barclays, experienced and inexperienced players across the country have been raising the profile of girls’ football in their own ways.

The aim is simple: to give all girls equal access to football in schools by 2024.

Denton Community College, Yew Tree Primary School, Poplar Street Primary School and Longdendale High school were just a few schools to mark the occasion with their own spin on things.

The day was regarded as a huge success, with Emma Toone, school games organiser, encouraged by the numbers of girls who participated: “It’s been fantastic to have over 300 girls, some of who don’t normally take part in football or sport, enthused by the campaign. 

"They’ve all had fun and if some of the girls come to our after school clubs next week, then we’ve done a good job and achieved what we set out to do. The more girls who can see it (football), will then go on to achieve it. I think if we continue to create opportunities like this then girls will get more involved with the sport.”

The event was organised, in part, by Manchester United Foundation’s Ryan Monk. As a great advocate of the women’s game, he was delighted with the turnout and even said it exceeded his initial expectations. 

Now, Ryan is hoping the momentum will continue and more girls will take part in the extra-curricular activities on offer: “When I pushed the idea out last week the girls were really interested and knocking on my office door to enquire. The turnout has been incredible and so much better than I could have hoped for. Something I’m massive on is participation for all, so what we’ve looked to include today is all abilities. It’s a social event with a bit of fun as well.

“If the girls join some of the clubs on offer, including Street Reds, and they have a more positive mindset when it comes to football, then I think we’ve done our job.”

You can watch a video feature on the #Letgirlsplay campaign via the following link: https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/watch4/