The success of Notts County Ladies and England has been tipped to inspire a boom in women’s football participation in Nottingham as the summer of female football reaches fever pitch.
The Lady Pies are already on their way to Wembley for the FA Cup final in August and they have also made a great start to the season in the Women’s Super League 1.
Five Notts players are also currently playing in the World Cup in Canada, with Ellen White, Alex Greenwood, Laura Bassett and Carly Telford in the England squad and Desiree Scott in the host nation’s team.
Nottingham City of Football managing director Amanda Chambers believes the on-field triumphs of Notts and England will have a ripple effect, increasing participation for women and girls across the city.
Chambers, who was appointed permanent MD of the City of Football project in April 2015, has seen a similar effect in cycling within her former role involved in the development of the Derby Arena as head of leisure and cultural development at Derby City Council.
“The success of both England and Notts County Ladies is fantastic for female football in the area and it is vitally important for the City of Football,” she said.
“Our aim is to be the fastest growing city for female participation across the UK and we will utilise the excitement within the top levels of the women’s game to increase awareness and participation across the city.
“There are some tremendous role models within women’s football and they are truly people that young girls and adults can aspire to.
“As the City of Football it is our role to provide the opportunities for everyone to experience and enjoy football in an environment that suits their needs and showcases the positive effect that the game can have on their lives.
“We already have a number of initiatives in place to capitalise on the buzz around the women’s game and these will increase as the programme continues its development.
“There are thousands of women and girls not involved in football activities at the moment and it is our challenge to do things differently and engage with them on a new level from football fitness and dance classes to more traditional team involvement.”
Girls’ only sessions are already underway with Notts County and Nottingham Forest Football in the Community programme and there is a brand new Female Footy Fives five-a-side football scheme on Monday evenings starting on July 6 with a free taster session on June 29 at 6.30pm.
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