Source: Cambridge United

Cambridge United are growing the game

  • +1

Over the last seven months Cambridge United has been working hard to grow the women’s game, from grassroots upwards, and in that time their girls’ programme has grown significantly.  

United are increasing opportunities for girls to play, whether it is for fun and exercise, or at a higher level.  If the desire is there, then girls have a pathway to the Women’s teams.

They are currently running the following programmes:

  • Girls Development Centre (GDC)
  • Girls Football School Sessions
  • Girls Football Camps
  • Cambridge United Women’s Reserve Team
  • Cambridge United Women’s First Team

 

The Cambridge United Girls Development Centre is in its first year and is a platform for girls to train in a professional environment.

They start at U7s and go up to U15s.  In the summer trials were held and girls were also talent spotted whilst playing for their club teams.

The first two terms have seen major development with the GDC and United are planning on opening more centres at the end of the season. They presently have around 130 girls in the centre for the first year and United aid their development whilst they continue to play for their club teams.

Coach Megan Todd (Photo: Cambridge United)

The aim is not only to improve the individual players, but also the standard of girls’ football in Cambridgeshire at grass roots level.

All these programmes are designed to develop and encourage the girls’ development as a whole not just focusing on the football.

In the New Year United have fixtures planned to reward the girls for their hard work at training, and in the next season they are planning to go on tour.

United have brought together a fantastic and very passionate group of coaches who either play for the women’s team or have plenty of experience in coaching girls’ football.  This programme also allows them to connect with the club and be able to watch football.

Setting up a pathway for girls’ football in Cambridge is ground-breaking as the first of its kind. It is hoped in the next year or so to have a 16-19 education/football programme to enable the girls to continue to play and develop and get an education.

Cambridge United Women’s team are fully supportive of the GDC.  [The Women currently compete in the WPL South East 1.]  The Development Centre work closely with the Women’s team and offer their support whenever they can.

During the holidays United have a Girls Football Camp and this December it is full!

The camps have been growing in popularity over the last few months and they are now at full capacity this Christmas.  All girls are encouraged to attend, regardless of their ability, in order to get involved in football!  It is a safe, fun, learning environment for them.

Girls are split into age-groups and also ability to ensure that everyone can be challenged.

The camps are for girls aged 7-15 and the next one is in February at half term!  As well as joining in the whole footballing experience, there are lots of fun prizes to be won.

You can keep up to date with Cambridge United on social media at:

Twitter: @cufcgirls

Facebook: @cufgirls

Instagram: cufcgirls

Email: megan.todd@cambridge-united.co.uk