The benefits of girls playing in boys/mixed teams are well published and with the age limit for mixed teams increased to U18, we believe those benefits work both ways. We’ve certainly seen the positive impact mixed teams can have on everyone’s development and life skills.
In this post Lily, her Mum, and her Coach all speak of how joining a mixed team can aid a Player’s development, understanding of the game and physical confidence.
⚽️ Lily told us:
“I joined Maidenbower Colts FC last Summer to help me improve my footwork outfield as I currently play as a Goalkeeper for an all-girls team. I was nervous about joining a boy’s team but they all made me feel so welcome and I quickly felt very much part of the team. My coaches, Gareth and Craig, work us hard and that journey led us to move up 3 leagues! I also had the opportunity through Maidenbower Colts FC to take part in the Colts X Begovic GK Camp which resulted in them inviting me to join their academy in Cobham. I love how accepting the team and coaches have been about letting a girl play in their team but now I feel like a very valued member of Maidenbower Colts FC”
⚽️ Nathalie, Lily’s Mum went on to explain:
“Joining her Brother’s club was a big decision for Lily, but she’s not looked back once. Playing with Maidenbower Colts FC has really developed Lily’s resilience, confidence, and strength. Her in-game confidence has grown and she’s formed strong bonds with the boys whilst has earned their respect. The parents of the boys have been so supportive of Lily joining their Sons which you can certainly hear every Saturday morning!”
⚽️ Coach Gareth said:
“Lily joined the U11 Black Team this season and has fitted in seamlessly. She is technically very good and competes well physically with the boys. She has certainly improved us as a team in terms of performance and team spirit.”
Maidenbower Colts FC is an inclusive and diverse community-minded football club and we’re so proud to have Lily and all our girl ballers mixing it with the boys. It makes us a better, stronger more accepting football family.
If you’d like to find out more about joining one of our teams, drop us a message.
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Sussex County Women and Girls’ Football League
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