14 Feb WOMEN’S SMALL-SIDED LEAGUE LAUNCHED

Sunday 28 January saw the launch of the Women’s small-sided league in collaboration with the Ready Steady Active, Huddersfield Town Foundation’s Active Through Football programme, and West Riding County FA.

Over 30 women and girls, mostly from a South Asian background, attended the commencement of the league and opening taster session.

The aim of the league is to increase healthy behaviours in communities and provide an opportunity to play football for those who don’t necessarily get the opportunity to get active.

The session helps to bring women and girls of all abilities together for a day of fun, interaction, and good exercise.

Siobhan Atkinson, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“It was a proud moment to see the launch of this league. It has been good to see the project progress through our Community Hero Rashida and our Active Through Football Programme Manager Ryan Canadine.

“We are especially delighted to see the real impact that they are having in the community.”

Jo de Tute, Head of Football Development at West Riding FA, said:

“As a County FA, we were really excited about the launch of the Women’s five-a-side league and seeing 33 women attending from across several communities as well as differing abilities was fantastic.

“The project is very much about providing an environment that is safe and accessible for those attending, and it was brilliant to receive feedback from all those participating to say that they felt really comfortable taking part and were excited to get the league up and running.

“Being involved in this particular project as well as the wider Active Through Football programme is key for the County FA to ensure that we are providing as many different opportunities for people to participate in football as possible.

“We are looking forward to the start of the league as well as getting other projects up and running alongside Ready Steady Active, Huddersfield Town Foundation and other partners.”

Rashida Salloo, Director and Founder at Ready Steady Active, added:

“It was fantastic to see so many women and girls join us at the launch of the Women’s 5-a-side league at West Riding County FA HQ.

“The day was both a celebration of how far the women have come and the start of a new journey for many, who will be taking their first steps into competitive football.

“We’re excited to be working with WRCFA and Huddersfield Town Foundation offering this inclusive and accessible opportunity for women of all backgrounds to come together to play football locally.”

If you would like to know more about the league and session, or some information on the Active Through Football Programme, please email help@htafcfoundation.com with your enquiry.