YMCA hopes to build on interest to get more youth into sport after English Lionesses achieve Euros success
After the recent success of the Lionesses in the Euros, the YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark is looking to build on interest shown from the community and is encouraging more women and girls into football.
“It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the positive impact the women’s Euros has had on getting more girls into sport this summer,” said Amy Oakes, sport and family service manager, YMCA.
“Our Community and Activity Village in Newark is the training ground for Newark Town ladies and girls teams and we see first-hand the many benefits women’s football can bring to local communities.
“In the build-up to the Euros we had already noticed more interest and conversation around women’s football, but this has been supercharged since the incredible win from the lionesses.
“We’ve seen a number of girls attending our youth football sessions over the summer holidays, compared with previous years when the groups have been entirely made up of boys.
“Our whole ethos as a charity is about providing opportunities for young people to find their potential, and we know that team sports like football play a vital role in achieving this vision.
“We are constantly investing in the unique facilities at our new Community and Activity Village, which we hope will provide a space for girls and all young people to realise theirpotential for many years to come.
“Our pro-standard 3G all-weather football pitches with floodlighting and a unique pitch surface make this a safe and enjoyable playing experience all year round.
“The pitches can all be split into half or quarter pitches to accommodate different requirements and we have on-site showers and changing facilities.
“If football isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities we offer, so we would encourage everyone to find out more via our website or come along to the village and speak to one of our coaches.”