Great turnout for girls football session in Lowestoft

Football fun attracted almost 50 youngsters as the launch of a new scheme was hailed a success.

The first of two free girls football development sessions was successfully held at the weekend.

The girls, who range in age from years two to years six at primary schools across Lowestoft, took part in the first football taster session at Barnards Meadow on Saturday, with the second taking place this Saturday, April 29.

Waveney FC and Suffolk FA have joined forces to promote the Wildcats programme, which runs for 16 weeks. Within Waveney FC, the girls group will be called the Waveney Wildcats and girls will be able to attend every Saturday between 10am to 11.30am, having fun, socialising, building their confidence and developing their football skills.

Parents will be given the opportunity to get involved as well, and if interested they may consider developing their own coaching skills with the possibility of coaching a team themselves.

Hadyn Everson, of Waveney FC, said: 'We distributed promotional leaflets to 17 primary schools, who supported the club by handing the leaflets to all their girls. After the first session ended, it was pleasing to receive a great deal of positive feedback from girls and parents who attended.'

Encouraging the girls to 'have lots of fun,' the youngsters enjoyed games and activities that included dribbling and hitting balls off the cones.

Prior to the start of the session, Mr Everson said: 'The most important thing is to have a good time – have a smile on your face and have fun.'

As the weeks progress, it is hoped that many of these girls will go on to play for new and existing Waveney FC girls football teams who play their football in the Norfolk Women's and Girls Football League.

'Thanks should go to a number of FA qualified Waveney FC coaches and their young leaders – current players – who ran the sessions and who looked like they were having as much fun as the girls,' Mr Everson added.

The fun continues with a second girls session this Saturday, April 29 at Barnards Meadow, from 10am to 11.30am.

Mr Everson said: 'These sessions are great fun and those attending will be considered for new Waveney FC girl's football teams that are planned for the 2017-18 season.'