Uniting girls around the power of soccer

WSC: How does the programme differ in the UK and Mexico? How do you cater for the differing needs of the two communities?

 

RC: "We strive to create programmes that address local needs and are considerate of the specific context of our participants, while belonging to a shared, global initiative of using the power of football to create a world with gender equality.  

 

"The organisation was formed to tackle inequalities in sport and in society..."

 

"Each location is unique in its cultural and social practices – from population size, economies and industries to weather, language and nature.

 

"So the programmes differ in that each location has different availability of resources, social issues, accessibility to pitches, schooling systems, government programmes and infrastructure.

 

"Nevertheless, we have found that the challenges girls face in participating in sport have many parallels, from overcoming body image and self-esteem issues to receiving equal importance and access to sporting development opportunities.

 

"In London, we have catered to the needs of our community by creating programmes that focus on tackling desertion from sport in specific age groups, redefining female role models and working closely with schools to provide healthy habits for life.

 

"In Mexico, we have responded to a lack of grassroots provisions for females to play matches, worked to challenge mindsets relating to stereotypical gender roles and created programmes that gave girls a chance to play in safe environments."

 

WSC: Girls United also helps to develop wider life skills too. Tell us a bit more about that.

 

AI: "Being able to come together as a group of individuals to make a team of people with the same love of sport and football is incredible, but we really value ensuring that we know everyone as an individual.

 

"Part of this means supporting their interests away from the pitch, which has seen young females attend workshops with world- class coaches and FA WSL and FA Women’s Championship players, and also learn about broadcasting in sport.

 

"Providing platforms for our community to meet more females in football, sport, higher education or other careers really provides visibility."

 

WSC: Some of your sessions involve developing girls’ confidence and leadership skills. Do you hope to see your girls become coaches in the future?

 

AI: "We have really enjoyed already seeing a give-back-to-Girls-United attitude from our players.

 

"Last season a player led a fundraiser and seeing so many other players, parents and guardians take part against the coaches was inspiring.

 

"I have also been proud to see players volunteering their time to learn to coach with younger age groups while continuing to play football with their teams.

 

"Our coaches are really amazing at being so relatable and open, being able to share their own journeys around confidence and also being leaders in different situations, which I think benefits the girls so much.  

WSC: What is the importance of female role models within Girls United?

 

AI: "Firstly, it is so important in how we define role models and think about how we can be role models as individuals and how we can engage with role models nationally, internationally and locally.

 

"Our role models are able to share experiences, knowledge and motivation. Being able to connect with other people that inspire you and support your journeys is so impactful. "These role models give individuals the confidence to make decisions, take on new challenges or set goals to achieve."

 

WSC: Are female role models particularly important in Mexico in terms of changing attitudes and creating opportunities for girls within football and beyond?

 

RC: "Female role models are hugely important everywhere as they are such a powerful tool in challenging limiting traditions or attitudes and in opening pathways for younger generations.

 

"In both locations, the females who coach and run programmes have been crucial to our success because they have become role models for our players and within our communities, resulting in more individuals respecting and valuing the role of females in sport.  

 

"Being able to connect with other people that inspire you is so impactful..."

 

"Our programmes in Mexico are run by members of each location who, through their leadership, perseverance and passion for football, have become female role models of their communities.

 

"We have seen their example and visibility have a great impact on changing the mindsets of the wider community with regards to the importance of girls engaging in football."  

 

WSC: What opportunities are there for existing coaches to get involved in both the UK and Mexico?

 

RC: "We are always looking for coaches who resonate with our mission to get involved.

 

"We are currently recruiting coaches for a range of programmes in south London as well as contracted positions that combine coaching with off-pitch work.

 

"In Mexico, we run an International Coaching Programme which gives coaches the opportunity to experience coaching at our clubs in south-east Mexico and immerse in the culture while undergoing a series of development and language workshops."

 

WSC: What are the plans for the future of Girls United?

 

RC: "We are constantly thinking of how we can create more and better pathways for girls, whether it be social or competitive, and how we can make sure more girls are having sporting experiences that help them be their best selves.

 

"We also think it a priority to inspire more females to become coaches and managers of programmes – there are simply not enough women in those roles and we need to do everything we can to make sure those who aspire to it have the skills, resources and open pathways to get there."  

 

For more information on Girls United, visit the project’s website, www.girlsunitedfa.org. It has both an English and Spanish language version. To enquire about the London club, email london@girlsunitedfa.org. You can also find the team on Twitter - @girlsunitedfa.