Girls from a football club in Westbury are preparing to make their league debut after showing ‘real growth and progression’ during months of training together.
Coach Todd Slade from Total Soccer Wiltshire began training with the girls about a year ago on Wednesday evenings. The idea for a new girls’ team emerged when interested parents asked if he would consider setting one up so their daughters could compete.
The club now has both Under-11 and Under-14 squads ready to compete in the North Wiltshire League this season, marking a new chapter for the team.
Beth Wall, the club’s welfare officer, highlighted the challenges girls often face in football. “Due to gender stereotypes, boys tend to be pushed more into football,” she said. “Not so much at the moment, with what the Lionesses have achieved, but particularly before that, a lot of boys were put into football from a young age.”
Beth and Todd plan to use funds from sponsorships to develop a scholarship programme, allowing members from low-income backgrounds to receive additional support with the cost of lessons. Beth said, “We are very aware that the fees for some families are prohibitive. We will continue to seek sponsors so that families won’t have to worry about it.” The scholarship programme aims to support about three girls each season.
“We are really passionate about supporting disadvantaged young people,” Todd added.
For more information, visit the Total Soccer Wiltshire Facebook page, or email totalsoccerwiltshire@hotmail.com.
