Several participants enjoyed a female pan-disability football festival, as part of the Women’s Recreational Football Legacy project in Wigan & Leigh, on Monday afternoon

Community | Several participants enjoy a female pan-disability football festival at Leigh Sports Village
Over 25 women participated in the football festival at Leigh Sports Village, as part of the Women’s Recreational Football Legacy project in Wigan & Leigh
Former England deaf futsal international Rebecca Kemp delivered an inspirational guest speaker session at the festival

Wigan Athletic Community Trust led a fantastic day at Leigh Sports Village on Monday as several participants enjoyed a female pan-disability football festival, as part of the Women’s Recreational Football Legacy project Championships in Wigan & Leigh.

The event, in association with Sport England, The Women’s Recreational Football Legacy Project and the Football Association, saw participants receive the opportunity to enjoy a day of football in an inclusive and safe environment.

The festival of fun was met with plenty of enthusiasm and energy from every player who took to the field, and it was another proud example of how Sport England is aiming to increase participation and diversity in the female recreational game through their funding of various projects across the country.

Women from the local services My Life, One Vision and Carmel College took part in fundamental skills sessions and small-sided matches at Leigh Sports Village as well as listening to an insightful guest speaker session from former England deaf futsal international Rebecca Kemp. Much to the delight of everybody in attendance, the women also received the opportunity to have their picture with the Sky Bet League One trophy.

Speaking at the event, Rebecca expressed her delight to come along to the pan-disability football festival, and be able to draw upon her own experiences to provide inspiration to the participants.

“It’s great to have been invited along today, and it’s fantastic to see so many women taking part,” she said.

“It’s great going into the Women European Championships for the next few months as it will provide inspiration to the town and for all these women.

“It’s always fantastic to see anyone take part in football and really enjoy being a part of the game. For myself, it’s all about using my experience to go and inspire the next generation of girls - like the ones who came along today - to be the best they can be.

“Everyone can achieve what they want to achieve if they put their mind to it, and to be able to provide them inspiration based on what I have done is a great feeling.”

The women who attended the football festival are currently enrolled on the Community Trust’s Every Player Counts programme which provides opportunities for hundreds of people with disabilities to play sport.

For participant, Billy Jo, it was a fantastic opportunity to play football whilst making new friends in the process.

“It was brilliant and I had a lot of fun,” she smiled.

“It’s nice to play with all the players, and seeing people happy and smiling is really nice to see. I’ve made loads of new friends from the day and I’m really happy that I have been given the opportunity to come along and enjoy it with Carmel College.”

Community | Several participants enjoy a female pan-disability football festival at Leigh Sports Village