FROME Town United have seen signups to girls’ football skyrocket in the past year and the head of girls’ football at the club says this in part can be attributed to a clear path from development football to the first team.
Even more interest is expected following the England women’s team being crowned Euro champions recently.
Ben Bolland oversees girls’ football at Frome Town United and he says that he has had 15 inquiries for new signups in the past two weeks alone.
Ben explained, “In the past year, we have worked hard to create a clear pathway for girls to rise through the ranks and establish themselves in adult football. This pathway didn’t exist two years ago and we’re now seeing double the amount of people signing up, which is just great to see.
“The reason that girls’ football in Frome is further ahead of most towns is because we have a clear structure in place. We start at aged six to ten with the Wildcats programme which is sponsored by the FA and is a programme in place to get young girls into football.
“Through the teenage years, from aged 11 to 16, we have several junior teams that train each week and play in either the Wiltshire Girls’ League or the Somerset Girls’ League – these work like the boys’ clubs where they start with seven-a-side and build their way up to 11-a-side on full pitches by the time they’re 16.
“Girls’ football in Frome is in such a good place right now and we’re getting more and more popular. For us, the girls have just as much of an opportunity to develop as the boys and the fact that we have players floating around the first team for Frome Town’s women’s team says it all. Girls’ football is becoming more competitive, and the football is advancing as a result of this – the girls are finally getting the chance to shine like the boys have had for years.
“We have three players that have fully transitioned from playing youth football to joining the women’s team at Frome Town, so I’ll be excited to see how they perform at this new level this season- they’re perfect examples of where hard work can get you and great role models for the younger players.”
Lionesses inspiring roar talent in Frome
Ben says that England’s women’s team recent success in the Euros and the support they received for bringing home the trophy shows just how far the women’s game has come, but he says there’s still a battle in trying to get girls into the sport who have no outside influence to encourage them.
Ben added, “Women’s football is becoming so popular throughout the country and long may it continue! The Lionesses have shown the men how to do it and I’m hoping we get more signups as a result of this.
“There is still however a small battle in trying to encourage girls into the sport who have no outside influence such as a brother or dad that loves the game. This has definitely changed a bit in recent years, and we have some great examples of girls that have transitioned from horse riding having never kicked a ball, to being converted into exceptional squad players and their confidence rises as a result of this, but it is still a challenge.
“There is absolutely no pressure here at the club – we just want to improve the footballing ability of all the players here and have fun together while we do it. The main thing is just getting the word out that girls’ and women’s football is out there if people are interested,” said Ben.
Ben first got involved with coaching girls’ football when he took on the task of training both of his daughters’ football teams when no one else would. Following his move to Frome four years ago, Ben got involved with helping coach at Frome Town United.
Ben said, “I now have two coaching badges and I’m just starting to work on my level three badge. I’ve seen plenty of players in my time and my favourite part is watching them grow in confidence as they get more comfortable with the game. We have a good attitude and ethos here for the girls to follow and the atmosphere is really welcoming to new members as a result of that.”
Volunteers needed
Frome Town United is looking for volunteers to help out with the training sessions. If you have experience with coaching, you are working towards a coaching badge, or you want to study a sports qualification, then please contact Ben on 07535 785447 for more information. Training is usually on a Monday night.
Frome Town United is the home for development football in the town, with the club focussing on training and developing junior football regardless of gender.
