A free showcase of women’s and girl’s football at The Bowl on March 6th will kick-start an Isle of Man Football Association (IOMFA) campaign to get more women and girls involved in the sport.
Former senior England international and current Liverpool FC Women’s Ambassador – Natasha Dowie will be the guest of honour at the Island’s first ever show case event of women and girls’ football, which is a free community event designed to encourage participation at all levels. It aligns with The English FA’s #FootballForAll and #letgirlsplay campaigns.
Vicki Hotchkiss, IOMFA Non-Executive Director, said: “The event will be the first of its kind in the Isle of Man and will feature an evening of fun events aimed at showcasing football to the whole community. In the men’s game we already have a high-level of participation in the sport in all age groups, not just with players and coaches, but also in terms of officials, fans, and all the volunteers who do so much work behind the scenes. While women’s participation has grown in recent years, there’s a lot more that we can do. Our strategy over the next four years will include a strong focus on increasing the participation of women and girls in all aspects of the game. Kicking-off this phase of the strategy with an event that ties-in with International Women’s Day is ideal, especially with this year’s theme being about inspiring inclusion. We’re encouraging everyone interested in growing the women’s game here on the Island to come along and get behind our ambition!”
The celebration of football takes place on Wednesday March 6th, two days before the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8th. The highlights include:
- Free entry – gates open 4.45pm
- 5pm – 5.45pm: Local club friendly game for Under 14’s and Under 16’s and Manx Youth Games players showcase
- 6pm to 6.45pm: Local club friendly game for Under 10’s and Under 12’s
- Natasha Dowie present certificates to all players
- 7pm to 7.15pm: FA Wildcats showcase: Football-themed fun and games based on a national English FA programme designed to give girls aged five to 11 a great introduction to the sport
- 7.15pm: The big match – two teams drawn from the Isle of Man National women’s team squad
- Food & drink stands open throughout the festival until 8.30pm.
To find out more about International Women’s Day use the #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion hashtags or go to www.internationalwomensday.com
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