Westbury Youth Football Club’s Redlands ground was a sea of pink recently as all four of the club’s girls’ teams came together to play their league matches in one place.
The teams – U9s Pink Panthers, U11s Pink Pumas, U13s Pink Pythons and U15s Pink Piranhas – showed just how far girls’ football has come in Westbury.
The girls’ teams are flourishing and continue to grow said Hayley Parker, Club Welfare Officer. “They’ve brought a bright pink and beautiful atmosphere here with their determination and willingness to learn,” she said. “To see their faces light up when they know they’re playing football really brings a whole new meaning to the game.
“For them it isn’t about winning, it’s about having fun and playing the sport they love. That’s what grassroots football is all about.”
Kirstie Parker, who coaches both the U9s and U11s, added: “These girls come with a fire and a passion for the game. They come back each week with more to offer and always leave with a smile, regardless of the result. They are everything grassroots represents.”
One of the players, Esmee from the U11s Pink Pumas, summed it up perfectly: “This is the happiest thing in my life, I love it so much, it’s like being with a family.”
Hayley said that quote captures exactly why coaches and volunteers dedicate so much time to the teams. “As a club we want every single one of these kids to feel like this,” she said. “They really do bring a bright and brilliant atmosphere to the club.”
For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page.
Pictured top, U15 Pink Piranhas; right, U13 Pink Pythons; below left, U9 Pink Panthers and below right, U11 Pink Pumas
