Girls Football Development Programme

The all exciting Girls Football Development Programme has entered its second year, with 100 plus participants engaging in structured fun based coaching and football activities. 

Last year saw the Trust set up 4 Development Centres for Girls from 5 up to 14 years of age. The programme is in full flow at Haydon Wick, Stratton Community Centre, Commonweal Secondary School and St Catherine's School. Future plans are being made to set up further centres at Millbrook & Lawn Primary Schools later on this year.  

One of the major highlights in 2009 were the three all Girls Football Festivals which were staged at the County Ground, Link Centre and the Futsal Arena. These three major events saw nearly 300 girls participate in a festival of fun. It is invisidged that more events such as these will be staged in 2010.

Christmas saw the Community Trust run the first ever All Girls Festive Fun Day where over 25 girls from the four Development Centres taking part.

Shane Hewlett who heads the Girls Programme is looking to set up a friendly league amongst the centres to commence from February this year. Additional future plans include a 3 way inter club festival between Swindon Town, Cheltenham Town and Swansea City Football Clubs.

For all of these talented young female players a pathway to excellence is accessible with the girls being given the opportunity to progress to County or Local Club level.

Shane Hewlett can be contacted on 01793 617718 or email shane@stfc-fitc.co.uk