In August, in preparation for the 2021/2022 football season and as part of Women’s Sports Media’s commitment to creating a sustainable pathway of grassroots football into elite programs - we teamed up with Hatfield Peverel F.C. to launch a sponsored open day for girls aged 5-16 to come along, for free, to HPFC’s first team ground for a day of FA qualified coaching, friendly games, competition and most importantly, lots of fun!

After the girls put a real shift in on the pitch, the afternoon made for great spectating as the girls and their families were treated to exhibition matches of HPFC Women’s first team and Hashtag United F.C. Women’s providing a demonstration of quality football and inspiration for these girls starting out on their footballing journey.

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Having advertised the initiative through major social platforms, local schools and local community forums the attendance figures were staggering with over 200 young girls turning out to participate, learn and forge new friendships. As a result of the open day, and the financial support of the Women’s Sports Media Community Foundation, each child received first class FA qualified training from ex-professionals.

To promote equality and unity amongst the group each child was given a WSM branded Nike training strip to workout in. With such a positive response and the introduction of so many new girls and young ladies wanting to further explore their association with Hatfield Peverel F.C. WSM has committed to sponsoring three new girls teams for the upcoming 2021/2022 season.

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Co-founder Steve Downey said “It was fantastic to see so many girls and young ladies  turn up and get involved today. Hatfield Peverel F.C. has been supporting the local community with a quality standard of football with their youth, Men’s and Women’s team programmes for many years. It was a privilege to be a part of their unwavering commitment to  their women’s programmes, developing a sustainable pathway for young girls to hone their skills, as they aim to move up the ranks through to the women’s team. Many of these young athletes will have a chance to make it all the way up to the elite level of this sport in adult life.

With over 200 participants today, it’s clear to see there’s a real appetite for girls to get involved in football from a young age. Hatfield Peverel F.C. put on a first class show today. A clear demonstration that they have the facilities, footballing knowledge and skill to nurture young talent. I’m excited to watch this partnership develop over the coming years and be involved with such a passionate club.

“There’s a clear shift in the attention and visibility of the elite level in Women’s football"

Nick Webb, Chairman, Hatfield Peverel F.C. said “There’s a clear shift in the attention and visibility of the elite level in Women’s football". The WSL is now live on TV week in, week out - it’s great to see, and long overdue. That said, it’s just as important that grassroots projects get some of that support too. We’re incredibly grateful to Women’s Sports Media for their generosity and ongoing commitment to our women’s programme, but also for their support in general - raising the visibility of the women’s game,  whilst also forging links between clubs like ours and the elite level clubs they also support: this has been frankly amazing. Creating a sustainable pathway of young talent, through to senior women’s programmes is ultimately what fuels these elite clubs in the WSL & Championships and without charitable donations we wouldn’t be able to give these young girls the care and attention that they deserve when starting out on their footballing careers.

Today’s been a fantastic demonstration of what can be achieved in the community when corporations like Women’s Sports Media get behind our commitment to the beautiful game. We massively thank WSM for their continued support and look forward to collaborating with them for many years to come”

*Women’s Sports Media’s Community Foundation supports local clubs and associations with funding in areas most needed. If you’d like to find out more on how WSM can help your local community project contact us at info@womens-sports-media.com