Phoenix Football Club in Bradford are breaking new ground with the launch of their first ever Girls football team.

The club’s new Under 11’s Girls’ team played their first match last weekend and all involved enjoyed the occasion and the club hopes this will inspire more girls from the Bradford area to take part in the game.

The club formed an Open Age Womens team in the 2017-18 season and recruited highly regarded local coach, Ishfaq Hussain, as Manager and Club Mentor. The team had an excellent season and some of the players declared an interest in starting a Junior Girls team which led to Senior players Ikra ali and Amina Ali starting the Under 11’s team.

Club Chairman, Mani Salim said “It’s great to see these young girls enjoying the game and inspiring other girls to take part as well as motivating parents to understand that girls can get just as much out of playing football as the boys. Ishfaq has been a great influence at the club and the work he has done with the Senior Womens team is having a knock-on effect with the Juniors and we really want to develop the female aspect of the club. Our club is open to all so if you are a young girl who wants to take part, or a parent looking for a club for their child then please get in touch”. If you wish to get in touch with Mani Salim then please contact info@phoenixfc.uk.

The lack of participation in affiliated football by BAME young girls is often highlighted and West Riding County FA believes that by clubs being inclusive; proactive in their approach; and providing local opportunities, then participation levels can be increased. If you require any more information about Women and Girls football in West Riding then please contact steve.conboy@westridingfa.com.