York City Football Club Foundation is continuing to help grow the female game with weekly ‘Turn up and Play’ sessions for 11+ and 25+, thanks to a generous contribution from the National League Trust as part of a pilot programme funded by the Wembley National Stadium Trust.

In light of England Lionesses winning the She Believes Cup, this is a great time to capitalise nationally on the interest that has been generated and the Foundation is committed to inspiring current and future talent.

This programme is intended to provide more opportunities for girls and women to develop their footballing skills and confidence in a high-quality environment, with the hope that the number of women participating regularly will increase.

Paula Stainton, Foundation Manager, said: “The Foundation was selected to be involved in this programme due to our proven track record of delivery in the female game, with a full pathway offered from our Primary Girls schools offer; Wildcats Centres and Girls only Holiday activities; to our City Girls Elite; FA Regional Talent Club and York City Ladies FC.

“The FA National Strategy aim is to double the numbers of participants by 2020, and hopefully this project will go some way to achieving this with at least 70 new females participating in some way in our area.”

It is hoped that with these sessions available, we too can encourage more females into the player, coach or official pathways. Making sessions more visible and accessible can only go towards showing opportunities that are available.

Sessions are taking place weekly on Wednesday evenings. No pre-registration is required, just see the coach on site and get ready to play!

11+ years

5-6pm Huntington Secondary School Astroturf Pitch, YO32 9WT

25 + years

8-9pm York St Johns University Sport Park, Haxby Road, YO31 8FY 

Amy Tyro, Foundation Coach, added: “As a former player myself and a lover of the game, this opportunity for females is incredible and I’m delighted to be involved. The Foundation aim to encourage more females,  no matter what age, to get involved in football, and I look forward to the possibility of mentoring new players/coaches and engaging with others whilst sharing our experiences.”

“The sessions are of benefit to those that want to get back into playing or even begin their journey of football discovery. Not only will players enjoy the fitness benefits but also the social aspects that playing sport and being a part of something can offer.”

To find out more about York City FC Foundation, please CLICK HERE