New figures released by the Premier League have shown the success of the PL Girls Football initiative with the number of girls participating rising by more than a third year-on-year.
Girls’ Football Week is held by The Football Association this week, aiming to encourage primary and secondary schools and further-education establishments into hosting female-specific football sessions.
The Premier League Girls Football initiative is came about after The FA commissioned the Premier League to deliver its objectives in developing the women's game. The programme is funded by The FA and is delivered by 34 clubs in the Premier League and Football League, who use their expertise to encourage and facilitate females over the age of 14 into taking up regular football activities.
Since the scheme began in 2013, more than 18,000 females aged between 11 and 25 have been engaged in the programme.
In the 12 months from 1 August 2014, 12,239 girls took part, an increase of 34% on the first year.
For girls over the age of 14, a key point where participants are most vulnerable to leaving the game, there has been an increase of almost 50% in the second year, with 8,951 participants engaged.
The success of the programme can not only be measured in numbers taking part in regular sessions but in how it develops a love for the game and sport in general.
As well as contributing to increased confidence and a healthier lifestyle, the programme has led to 727 participants progressing into a centre of excellence or other regular football.
A further 112 participants have progressed into education or training, with 67 going on to secure employment.
By offering volunteering, the initiative has also played a role in helping to encourage the next generation of coaches, referees and sports administrators. There have been 300 volunteers who have been recruited to work within the programme to date.
The programme is being expanded in its third year with Crystal Palace and Leicester City joining. The two clubs will each be delivering 10 weekly sessions to their local communities.
PL Girls Football
- More than 18,000 females engaged in total
- From Aug 2014, 12,239 females took part
- Through programme 727 participants progressed into a centre of excellence or other regular football
