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WOMEN & GIRLS FOOTBALL - ON THE RISE

Increasing the participation of Women & Girls in sport and physical activity in Manchester is a fundamental target for all of us. We are committed to closing the current gender gap in this space to persuade more women and young girls to participate in sport, in whatever way that is.
 
Our aim is to make clear the benefits of sport and activity participation to physical and mental health. We also know the influence women often have within their own families, and how their involvement will often encourage others to join in too. Widening access and exposure for Women & Girls in Manchester to find a pathway into activity, regardless of shape, size, experience and ability, is therefore paramount to closing this gender gap.
 
One such sport we are determined to improve local female participation in is football.
 
We’re thrilled therefore to see that the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament is already having a lasting social impact on female participation in football. The Tournament raised the profile of the women’s game  in Manchester and we have seen demand increase from women and girls,  not only to participate but also join the workforce and we have welcomed a number of newly qualified female coaches and referee’s this season.
 
Through the UEFA Euro 2022 Legacy Plan, we have been able to support our Clubs & Leagues to ensure there is capacity for the additional interest and demand in women’s football following the tournament.

SUMMER 2023 UPDATE

 
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 was a huge opportunity for women & girls across Manchester and Trafford to get inspired and engage with football and be a part of the rapidly growing female game, whether as a player, coach, referee or volunteer. 
 
Some of the ways we inspired positive change are:
- Women’s Flexi League and Recreational Sessions
- Soccercise – A no pressure introduction to exercise with a football
- Coach Development Programmes for girls aged 14+ to adults
- Female Referee Development Programme
- Supporting careers in football through internships, training and events
- A Role Models campaign shining a light on inspiring women in football
- ‘See It To Be It’ Women’s Euros themed Football Festival 
- Equal treatment with MFA County Cup Senior Competitions
- Creation of MFA x CFA Super Cup for September 2023
- North West Female Coaches Conference
 
Female participation in football has seen a fantastic rise of 50% (over 2 seasons) across Manchester, and thanks to a female specific course delivered last summer, we now have 20 newly qualified female match officials  Actively refereeing across grassroots football (33% increase).
 
There are now 4,772 registered female players in Greater Manchester split across 4 leagues; Greater Manchester Women’s League (1,009), Manchester Women’s Flexi-League (605), South Manchester Girls League (2,397) and North Manchester Girls League (953).
 
But our dedication does not begin and end with the Euro’s, We are pleased that the Womens Recreational offer has now been expanded for a further two years with funding secured from Sport England, The FA and Manchester Active.

We will also continue our commitment to local clubs, groups and individuals responsible for driving the development of Women’s sport.
 
There are now 99 clubs in Manchester, from U7 to open age, with female teams. Check out just some of the football clubs and groups we’re working with below;
 
Check out the map of adult female teams affiliated to Manchester FA here.
 
For more information on Womens and Girls football in Manchester or any of the sessions taking place in Manchester and how to get involved you can search our activity finder or contact Leigh Gell, Mcr FA  – Football Development Officer (Women & Girls) leigh.gell@manchesterfa.com and Nicole Flynn, Mcr FA -  Womens Recreational Football Officer - nicole.flynn@manchesterfa.com
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