Panathlon have been busy this term providing many opportunities for girls only football coaching and competitions, to coincide with the Women’s World Cup.
Hot on the heals of the England Women’s successes, we hosted 4 days across London, for South London schools (Marjorie McClure), South/West London schools (Tooting & Mitcham FC), North London Schools (Barnet Powerleague) and East London schools (Barking Abbey Football Academy).
This builds on the success of previous years of introducing a girls only programme which encourages those less confident who wish not to play in a mixed football environment, the chance to learn from female coaches and leaders. A mix of appropriate coaching and small sided competitions enable girls to build their skills, confidence and match playing abilities.
Sadly, the first of our days was effected by wet weather at Marjorie McClure in early June and the seven schools planning to attend cancelled on the morning of the event. However, we still ran games (in the rain) where 21 female students from Marjorie McClure who thoroughly enjoyed their day. We had a great group of 24 leaders from Bromley Town FC helping out with coaching and officiating.
Across the other 3 days we hosted 155 players from 20 schools, with 70 leaders in support. Our event at Barnet Powerleague was supported with young leaders from Henrietta Barnett and Kingsbury School (pictured below)
In all these events, the leaders ran skill drills and coaching in the morning followed by competitive matches in the afternoon.
Vicky Cockle, the Panathlon football lead coach said, “All the girls showed great passion and desire to play and improve their football. The coaches produced excellent ability-appropriate drills and games and developed a great rapport with all the students.
It was fantastic to witness the improvement made from the girls throughout the day as well as the friendly, fun and enjoyable atmosphere created by the coaches.”
Our North London event saw one of the games going down to a penalty shootout!
Tooting & Mitcham hosted our largest event with 74 girls, with 5 mini-pitches with games set up across the full-size 4G pitch.
Anne-Marie Abalo, a teacher at Bensham Manor School, who attended Tooting & Mitcham day said, “I came with a group of girls that were unsure about football and that don’t usually play. They’ve done really well. I have now discovered a number of new players for our girls team for next season. Best of all, they are keen to take part in the team so it has been a great learning experience for us all!”
A full gallery from all the events can be found here.
Many thanks to Jack Petchey Foundation for your continued support of the years girls only football programme.
