The session, set up by Carol Phillips, is aiming to get more women involved in football.

Carol came up with the idea after she had been playing with a group of men in Chalgrove. In the hope of getting a female session so she could play with other women, Carol approached Oxfordshire FA and Chalgrove Cavaliers FC for support.

Chalgrove Cavaliers jumped at the chance to add adult female football to their ranks which has helped Carol to engage 12 women in the session. 

The session sees the women come together for a kickabout every week with equipment provided by Oxfordshire FA. Occasionally the session has had guest coaches to help the women progress, which has been particularly useful for some of those within the session who hadn’t kicked a ball before.

Heidi Bates, a player at the session, said “I’d played football from the age of 7, but came away from the game when I became pregnant. However, I found I was missing the social side, the fitness, and having a bit of fun. So when I found out about this session via Facebook, I had to give it a go!”

James Shiplee, Senior Football Development Officer at Oxfordshire FA said “Sessions like this provide women the chance to get involved with the game, whether they’re kicking a ball for the first time, coming back from injury, or haven’t been able to play because life took over. To see the fun they all had at the session is testament to the atmosphere Carol has created, and I’ve no doubt this session will go from strength to strength. It’s our hope that other clubs will look to create sessions like this for women to get involved.”

To get involved in the session please contact Carol Phillips on cazphillips57@gmail.com

If you’re interested in setting up a session like this please contact James Shiplee on Development@OxfordshireFA.com