THE Lionesses may have lost the World Cup final on Sunday but a football club has hailed them as winners because of the boost they have given to thousands of girls and women across Berkshire.
Caversham AFC head of women’s football Julie Palmer said she is expecting another massive surge in interest for the coming season on the back of England’s march to the final of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Miss Palmer said there was a big spike in interest after the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022 and she was seeing a similar buzz this year.
“The women’s and girls’ game is just going from strength to strength and that is down to the Lionesses and clubs like Caversham AFC offering girls a pathway into football,” she said.
“There has been a real buzz around the Lionesses amongst our players and while they might have just got pipped by Spain, what they are doing for the game in England just can’t be overestimated.
“They have become real heroes and role models to thousands.”
Miss Palmer added: “We started our first girls team, an under 8s team, 15 years ago and that has grown to 170 players last year. It’s phenomenal.
“I really wish there had been this type of opportunity when I was growing up.
“I got involved in the club as a result of my daughter joining a team and that has really driven my passion for getting girls involved in football.
“I think, particularly for teenage girls, it’s so important for their mental and physical wellbeing.
“Caversham AFC’s Football for Fun, Football for All ethos encourages our younger players to develop their skills in the right environment.”
Caversham AFC has a team for most age groups, starting from its development centre for under 5s and 6s. This is also the first year when the club will have two teams in one age group, more proof of the growth in the game, Miss Palmer said.
Not only is the club – which started in 1970 and is based at Clayfield Copse – seeing a boom in player numbers but it has also seen some of its female members become referees.
Miss Palmer added: “While the girls are able to join mixed teams, our experience of coaching the girls is that they continue playing into their teens and as adults if they are part of an all-girls team.
“The encouragement they receive from their parents and the wider Caversham AFC community empowers the girls to see Football as a Sport they can continue with for the long term.”
Caversham AFC is open to new players, particularly in the reception and Year 1, 2 and 4 ages. Anyone wanting more information can email the club at newplayers@cavershamafc.co.uk
