Palace for Life make strides in women’s football
Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace FC, has engaged over 2,300 girls and women across south London through football since June 2017.
That number includes:
• 30 5-11-year-old novices regularly playing at Wildcats
• 197 11+ females through the PL Girls’ Programme
• 2,100 girls regularly involved in PL Primary Stars PE sessions and after-school clubs
In addition, the Foundation is hosting free sessions every day throughout FA Girls’ Football Week (6-12 November) for females of all ages and abilities, an offer which has been heralded by the FA.
FA Women’s Football Development Manager Rachel Pavlou said: “I am delighted to see the wide-range of events that the Palace for Life Foundation are again offering during November’s FA Girls’ Football Week. From schools sessions, Soccercise classes, regional recreation events, there are so many opportunities for females of all ages and abilities to take part in football.”
One of the initiatives, Wildcats, a Saturday morning club which encourages girls aged five to 11 to start playing football, is running a ‘bring a buddy’ session, in a bid to reach even more girls in the community.
Pavlou continued: “It is particularly pleasing to see their SSE Wildcats sessions go from strength to strength and these will also be offered during the week.
“The Foundation are again demonstrating to all why they were the worthy winners of our FA National Women’s Football Participation Award 2017. It is a brilliant scheme, proving how football can work together with key partners in the Community to provide our national sport for girls and women.”
Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish said: “FA Girls’ Football Week is a great opportunity for our amazing charity Palace for Life to showcase all the positive work we are doing in this area – from community events, to the amazing Palace Ladies winning and inspiring girls to enjoy this wonderful game.
“South London is famously diverse and I am proud that Palace is a Club that represents everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or age.”
Members of Crystal Palace Ladies FC will be visiting events throughout the week to offer expert coaching advice and words of inspiration and guidance.
Palace Ladies player Pam McRoberts, who is also a coach with the Palace for Life Foundation, said: “It is so important for young people to be fit and healthy and to have hobbies that they enjoy taking part in.
“There are so many opportunities out there for girls to get involved with football, far more than when I was young, if you want to do it, you can, follow your dreams.”
Chairman of Crystal Palace Ladies FC Richard Spokes added: “The Crystal Palace Ladies are strong role models in our community, both on and off the pitch, and I am delighted to see Pam McRoberts thriving in her coaching role at the Palace for Life Foundation.
“Having Pam and her Palace team mates out and about at Foundation events throughout FA Girls’ Football Week is a great way to encourage more girls and young women to play the game.”
Get involved this FA Girls’ Football Week with the Palace for Life Foundation:
Monday 6 November
What: Premier League Kicks – Girls’ Only Football
Who: 13-18 years (all abilities welcome)
When: 6pm-7pm
Where: Archbishop Lanfranc Academy School, Croydon
Contact: johnpatrick@palaceforlife.org
Cost: FREE
Tuesday 7 November
What: Ladies Recreational Football
Who: 25+ (all abilities welcome)
When: 6pm-7pm
Where: Sunnydown School, Caterham
Contact: roxannebennett@palaceforlife.org
Cost: FREE
Wednesday 8 November
What: Soccercise (fitness exercises with a football)
Who: 50 years+
When: 10.30am-12.30pm
Where: St Hughes Community Centre, Anerley
Contact: BethanyTowle@palaceforlife.org
Cost: FREE
Thursday 9 November
What: Extra Time – (for individuals who want to socialise over a cup of tea and take part in relaxed activities such as table tennis, seated exercises, Nintendo Wii Fit, dominos and many more)
Who: 50 years+
When: 11.30am-12.30pm
Where: Selhurst Park Stadium
Contact: BethanyTowle@palaceforlife.org
Cost: FREE
What: Get Fit Feel Good – Soccercise (fitness exercises with a football)
Who: 11 years+
When: 4.30-5.30pm
Where: Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation
Contact: jamiebroughton@palaceforlife.org
Cost: FREE
Saturday 11 November
What: Wildcats
Who: 5-11 years (all abilities welcome)
When: 9.30-10.30am
Where: Sunnydown School, Caterham
Contact: roxannebennett@palaceforlife.org
Cost: FREE
What: Mums and Daughters
Who: 5-11 years / 18+ (all abilities welcome)
When: 10-11am
Where: Goals North, Beckenham
Contact: roxannebennett@palaceforlife.org
Cost: FREE
Sunday 12 November
What: Crystal Palace Ladies FC v Chichester City Ladies FC
Who: Open to all
When: 2pm kick-off
Where: Bromley FC – The Stadium, Hayes Lane, BR2 9EF
Cost: Adults £3 under 16’s FREE