August 1, 2022
Following the conclusion of Euro 2022 with the Lionesses defeating Germany 2-1 to lift their first major trophy in front of a record-breaking crowd of 87,192. Wigan Athletic Community Trust has been involved in creating new opportunities for women in recreational football through the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Legacy Project.
Beginning in January 2021, in partnership with Sport England, The FA and Wigan Council. The project aimed to use the excitement of Euro 2022 to further increase female participation in recreational football during and beyond the tournament.
Led by Women’s Recreational Football Officer Katie Wells, the project has been successful in creating new opportunities for Women aged over 16, including walking football, soccercise and female disability football sessions.
“The aim of the project is to increase participation in women's recreational football. Looking to engage that missed generation of women that never got the chance to play.” Said Katie.
“It's been so nice to see the momentum building for women’s football and the interest people have had during the tournament.”
“I remember when I was looking to play when I was 10 and really struggled to find somewhere so this project really resonates with me. To see people so excited about women in football is something I've found special and something that I'm proud to be a part of.”
“We're seeing women in all different areas and in all different ways starting to enjoy and be a part of the game.”
With sessions aimed at improving the health and well-being of participants as well as offering new opportunities in sport. Over the course of Euro 2022 23 volunteers have been recruited to support the tournament with a further 23 qualifications being achieved by volunteers and participants.
One new participant was Billy Jo who got involved in our disability football sessions.
“Seeing people happy and smiling, it's really nice to see.” Billy Jo said, “It's nice to play with other players, I've made loads of new friends and I'm really happy I was invited to the session.”
Alongside walking football, soccercise and disability football sessions we are also running Weetabix Wildcats sessions. Our Wildcats programme offers sessions for girls aged between 5- 11 and are a great way to get involved in football from an early age.
To find out more about are Weetabix Wildcats sessions please contact Ben Chapman by emailing b.chapman@wiganathletic.com or call 01942 318090.
We also run free girl’s football sessions through the #PLKicks programme which offers both junior and senior sessions for girls aged between 8 – 16 years old.
To find out more about #PLKicks please contact PL Kicks Manager Racheal Wood by emailing r.wood@wiganathletic.com or call 01942 318090
If you want to get involved in women’s recreational football or find out more about the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Legacy Project, please contact Katie Wells by emailing k.wells@wiganathletic.comom or call 01942 318090.
By Wigan Athletic
