Free taster session at new girls-only football club in Shipston

A new girls' football club at Shipston Sports and Social Club is inviting girls between the ages of 12-14 to attend their sessions for a free taster.

Recently launched by leading leisure operator Everyone Active, Squad Girls' Football provides weekly coaching sessions every Monday at 5.15pm.

With a lack of female football provision in the Stratford-on-Avon District area, the club was formed to deliver a football coaching session specifically for young girls.

Each session is run by a qualified FA football coach at an affordable price of £3.00 per child.

Girls are being invited along to participate in a free taster session to encourage more sign-ups for the club.

It follows the recent launch of Wildcat Girls' Football for girls aged between 5-11 at Shipston Sports and Social Club. Also led by Everyone Active, in partnership with Weetabix Wildcats, these sessions have been met with equal praise from parents.

Mum Sophie, whose daughter Lucy attends the sessions, said: "My 6-year-old absolutely loves the Weetabix Wildcats. She's gone from quietly watching and eating her sleeve on the sidelines to being one of the loudest girls there. Richard is brilliant with the girls and as soon as it's finished, I'm already being asked when we're going back!"

Both clubs are part of Everyone Active's community outreach programme. The leisure operator runs local facilities Stratford Leisure Centre and Shipston Leisure Centre in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Richard Bell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "We are so proud to have launched this new club to support young girls in football.

"It is really important to us that girls are given the same opportunities to play football as boys. There are so many inspiring women in football today, and we hope these sessions encourage young girls to follow in their footsteps and try out something new."

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio said: "Women's football is growing, thanks to the success of the Lionesses, inspiring many young girls to pursue their passion for football and there are many girls who would enjoy playing regularly. These sessions are great in making football more accessible and giving girls the chance to get active in ways they enjoy."

Sessions for Squad Girls' Football at Shipston Sports and Social Club are available to book here.