Girls from schools across the county got the chance to meet three Albion women players.
The children got to take part in football drills and friendly small-sided games at Brighton’s American Express Elite Performance Centre in Lancing.
Albion players Katie Robinson, Maisie Symonds and Elisabeth Terland surprised the girls with a Q&A about their football experiences and also gave out medals to those who went along.
The pupils came from Newhaven’s Breakwater Academy, Denton Community Primary School, Cradle Hill Community Primary School in Seaford and Summerlea Community Primary School Rustington.
Rob Josephs, employability and education manager at BHAFC Foundation, said: “The event was all about helping more girls develop the confidence and basic skills to step onto a football pitch.
“Girls who had arrived with very limited experience were enjoying kicking a ball around and participating in mini tournaments by the end of the day. We’d like to thank the women’s first team players for taking time out after training to speak about their career journeys.”
The day was tailored specifically for girls who might be new to football, do not play regularly or have limited experience and those identified by their school as showing an interest in learning more about the game but haven’t had the confidence to get involved before.
The event aimed to introduce girls aged between nine and 11 to football.
Beverly Sawyers, senior vice president at American Express, said: “Taster sessions like today open up the game to girls who have an interest in football but might not have had the opportunity or confidence to give football a go. It creates a level playing field in the sport regardless of ability. We hope it will encourage more girls to see football as a game for them and continue playing.”
Ten American Express workers volunteered at the event by assisting coaches.
For more information about future sessions, call 01273 878277 or email soccerschools@albioninthecommunity.org.uk
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