20 Jan 2025
A football project in St Albans is empowering women in incredible ways.
Empower, held at Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre (playing pitch) and Cotlandswick in London Colney, aims to improve confidence and fitness as well as cultivate camaraderie and friendship and 112 women have taken part so far.
The group for women ages 30+ is run by two female FA qualified coaches and meets at Cotlandswick on Saturdays at 1.15pm and/or Cottonmill on Thursdays at 7pm.
Some of the comments from participants include: “I’ve wanted to play women’s football for years and I have been searching for a group for 2 years with no success. I’ve met people who I would never have met.
“I feel part of the community and want to engage in other social initiatives. I’ve made a great group of friends, I feel fitter, happier and less isolated.”
Another said: “I have a stressful, busy life. Football enables me to have time for myself. I get to meet new people which builds my confidence and I feel part of a group. Physically it is excellent exercise and you do as much as you can within your own limits. It also improves my balance, co-ordination and cognitive skills.
“Being part of this group at 50 is important as there are lots of activities for young people only and old people only but when you are in the middle adult hood it is difficult to find team sports to participate in.”
And: “I am a single carer to a child with complex health needs. We have become quite isolated. The football is an hour of just being me, getting some exercise and seeing friendly faces. It is a care free hour and it means a lot in my week. The fact it’s free to attend makes all the difference too.”
Women of all backgrounds, fitness levels and football experience are welcome.
This programme has been supported by The National Lottery Community Foundation, Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation and County Councillor, Sandy Walkington.
Interested? You can register to take part via www.leeannaswish.org
