On Sunday, our women’s Recreational Football group played their inaugural 11-a-side match during our Mind Games charity football event at the Focus Community Arena, against a Herts Police women’s team.
Our women and girls have been playing small-sided games for two years but this was the first time they played together in a full game; for some of the players this was their first ever game of 11-a-side football. Kitted out in style thanks to sponsor BAR Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd, our team competed superbly against a quick and determined Police side. It was a tough game to play on the hottest day of the year and it was difficult to maintain a consistent tactical approach to the game when rolling the subs on and off to ensure everyone could rest and get hydrated. But despite the 2-3 defeat there was a lot to be positive about – our team equalled the opponents for the majority of the game, Louise Popkin scored two great goals, everyone put in a great performance and most importantly, our team and the spectators enjoyed the game.
We’ll look at more 11-a-side opportunities and hopefully arrange some more friendlies. We’re committed to providing weekly recreational football sessions to Women and Girls living in and around Dacorum. In August 2022, after running popular Men’s Over 30’s Football games for two years, we trialled Women only sessions (with no age restrictions) at Hemel Hempstead Town FC. We had a fantastic response and have organised regular games since. Providing equal access to girls football and organising football for the community are part of the FA ‘s transformational objectives aiming to be achieved by 2024 as part of the FA’s Women and Girls Football Strategy; we’re delighted to be able to offer these sessions.
About our sessions: Subject to online booking to confirm availability, women and girls can just play in Hemel Hempstead in our friendly small-sided games – you don’t need to rely on having enough players to book your own pitch or even be part of your own team, just register and play! Our sessions take place on FIFA Pro standard all-weather artificial grass at Hemel Hempstead Town FC, Vauxhall Road; our matches are an easy, affordable and friendly opportunity for anyone to get active.
Community Kickabout 