FC Halifax Town Foundation have been awarded a grant from the National League Trust as part of a project funded by the Wembley National Stadium Trust.
The National League Trust is a partnership between the National League, the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association. The Premier League and the PFA have committed to support the Trust until 2029. This support allows the Trust to help National League member clubs develop and grow their community programmes. This specific fund is aimed at encouraging activity around the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which commences on 20th July 2023.
The National League Trust in partnership with Wembley National Stadium Trust launched a pilot programme to support the development of women and girl’s football at National League clubs in 2019. The objective was to provide high-quality female-only sessions to give women and girls aged 11 and over new opportunities to play football. Wembley National Stadium Trust granted the National League Trust £100,000 for that programme. The balance of this fund has been used to support projects that will use the power of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to inspire women and girls to play more football.
The Foundation aim to use the funding in Calderdale to increase the number of women and girls who regularly play football; provide more opportunities for women and girls to develop their skills and confidence; and encourage women and girls from under-represented or isolated communities to play football.
FC Halifax Town Foundation Trustee, Asad Qureshi said: “The Women’s World Cup provides a great opportunity to further develop women and girl’s football, and it’s important that we take full advantage of the interest created from it. By working in conjunction with The Halifax Academy (school) and other local partners, we can combine our knowledge, experience, and resources to engage new audiences through the sport. We will aim to provide regular playing opportunities for young girls from ethnically diverse communities in Halifax, but we will also highlight career pathways for those with an interest that extends beyond playing.”
Director of Youth, Junior and Community Football Development, Steve Nichol said: “We are delighted to receive the support of the National League Trust and the Wembley National Stadium Trust to encourage improved football provision and increase participation of girls and women in the Calderdale area. Currently we run mixed sessions/events as well as a girl only session in partnership with Leeds United Foundation. However, we are keen to push forward and establish a stronger programme for girls and women under the FC Halifax Town banner.”
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