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Bournemouth embraces Girls’ Football Week

Women and girls all over Bournemouth were this week invited to show off their football skills as part of Girls’ Football Week.

Hosted by the Football Association, the national campaign aims to encourage more schools and universities to run female-specific football sessions.

From 5th to 11th October, football fever spread across the South coast, with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust hosting various open training sessions for any girls interested in showing off their skills and learning new ones.

“It’s brilliant to be able to put these sessions on and support this great initiative,” explains Head of AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust Steve Cuss.

“We were hoping that as many girls as possible could come down, get involved and enjoy their football.”

In 2014, more than 2,000 girls took part in the sessions across 80 institutions nationwide.

This year, the FA set the aim of involving 5,000 girls and women in football throughout the week.

Polly Fildes, FA Women’s Football National Project Manager, said: “This year has seen real change and movement in women’s football.”

“In the past we have seen some real success stories come from our Women’s Football Weeks and we may even find the next generation of Lionesses.”

The Lionesses put women’s football in the limelight with their historic success at the Women’s World Cup this year

The week ended on a high, with the final training session taking place at Bournemouth University on Sunday 11th October, and was hosted by AFC Bournemouth.

Bournemouth University Ladies FC’s Chloe Tape spoke to the Bournemouth Rock:

“There is a good standard of football down here. It’s something locals should take pride in.

“Playing the game myself I’ve seen a huge increase in female players trialling for the varsity team.

“Last season we had the highest numbers we have ever had for try outs.”