Teenage kicks for pioneering football project

Young women from one of the most deprived boroughs in the country, Tower Hamlets in east London, are being given the chance to learn new skills and qualifications in a pioneering new football course, funded by the Prince’s Trust.

Called Tackle Life, the professional football project is structured as a five-week coaching course, which began on 21 June, with a six month follow-up programme for those who complete the course.

The project uses football to develop the skills and increase the employability of young women who are typically hard to reach and consequently struggle to find employment.

The women – who are mostly from minority ethnic backgrounds – initiated the project after complaining that, while there were lots of football clubs and facilities for boys within the Tower Hamlets area, there wasn’t anything for the girls.

Over the five-week course, the women will gain the FA Coaching Level 1 qualification, gain a better understanding of a healthy lifestyle and will be encouraged to organise a football tournament for members of their community.

The national team coach for the England Women’s Senior, under-21, under-19, under-17, under-16 football teams, Hope Powell, is fully supporting the new project. She said: “I would like more young women, particularly from those ethnic minority backgrounds, represented far more sufficiently in professional and community sporting activities.”

Powell added: “The Prince’s Trust is providing some great opportunities to gain real and specific football skills, as well as boosting their confidence and self worth, in a safe environment.” Details: www.princes-trust.org.uk/football