Women and Girls

Women’s football is the fastest growing team sport in the world. In the UK there are currently 1.6million girls under 15 playing football of some form, 131,000 women playing in regular affiliated competitions and 1087 female officials. East Riding has a thriving Girls League with age’s ranging from under 10 to under 16 as well as a successful Women’s League.

As the Woman’s and Girls Football Development Officer for the East Riding County FA, Gemma’s role is to grow and develop all aspects of women’s and girls football. Gemma is responsible for increasing participation to strengthen squad sizes and grow the number of teams by creating links between schools, colleges, universities and FA Charter Standard clubs and providing access to flexible and alternative forms of football such as futsal and small sided competitions. Gemma is also responsible for raising standards and developing players whilst supporting existing teams, clubs and leagues to access funding from the Football Foundation. In addition, she aims to increase the number of females involved in the game at all levels from officiating and coaching to volunteering.

Throughout 2010 the East Riding County FA will continue to support and develop all aspects of the female game including the progression of players from school participation to club football from which talented girls can be selected to play for the Hull College Girls Centre of Excellence. This will include a female player development day and a number of courses aimed at females only.

For further information on any aspects of women and girls or disability football please contact Gemma Thomas on 02075344310 or email gemma.thomas@eastridingfa.com.