FOOTBALL COACHING

YOUNG female footballers are being encouraged to put their skills into practice in the new U10s Division of the Essex County Girls’ League due to be launched in September.

The Essex County FA (ECFA) announced the creation of the new division, which will be specifically aimed at forming teams based in Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Newham, Havering and Barking and Dagenham.

So far six teams have signed-up and it is hoped this number will rise with the added incentive of an open affiliation system which will be operating up until December.

Sharon Brownlie, ECFA. girls’ and women’s development officer for the London boroughs, commented: “The main reason for developing an U10s division in the boroughs was to give girls the opportunity to play football on a more localised level.

“Transport is a major issue for many families in these areas so it is hoped that by making the games closer to home more girls will be encouraged to play.”

Teams will play friendlies up until the end of the year and will then have the opportunity to play competitive football until the conclusion of the season.

It is hoped that by having a flexible approach more clubs will develop girls’ teams.

Essex is one of the leading counties in the development of the female game, with Brownlie amongst those working to increase participation and Emma Burden actively promoting the game in the outer Essex region.

The division has been developed under the banner of the Essex County Girls’ League, with all clubs required to affiliate with the ECFA as well as the competition.

Clubs or groups of players interested in entering a team should contact Brownlie on (01245) 393074 or email sharon.brownlie@essexfa.com for further information.