Girls’ Football: Getting your daughter involved in sports early
Football isn’t just a game; when they’re given the opportunities to play and practice, it’s a powerful way for girls to build confidence, stay active, make friends, and learn valuable life skills from a young age. Whether your daughter is already showing signs of being a future athlete or you’re simply looking for a fun way to keep her active, getting her involved in football early can spark a lifelong love of sports. Join us as we discuss the growing interest in women’s and girls’ football, why it matters, and how to get your daughter started in the sport.
Why is it harder for girls to get into football?
There are a number of factors that come to form the answer to this question. However, the primary and most simple one is that there are just less opportunities for women to get into the sport. Because football is currently a male-dominated sport, clubs often lean into this and offer youth clubs primarily targeted to boys, which makes it harder for girls who want to play the sport to access the training facilities that they need. Especially as this is a sport that has to be split into gendered teams.
Of course, this isn’t the only reason - there are also some other factors that discourage girls from playing, such as social stigma, fear of being judged or stereotyped and lack of role models or representations.
With that being said, perceptions are surely changing and there has been increased interest in the sport, especially after the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022. In fact, there are now twice as many female teams in England as there were 7 years ago.
What percentage of girls play football?
The percentage of girls playing football is steadily increasing year by year. Research undertaken by both Sport England and Our Sporting Life shows some interesting statistics, including that there are now 845,000 girls playing football regularly in England as of December 2024, which has grown from 777,000 in December 2022 and just 669,000 in December 2018. However, still just under a quarter of women in England have ever played football as part of a team as a child or adult, compared with 60.6% of men.
What are the benefits of getting kids involved in football?
Playing football has benefits for all, including improved physical health. Aside from being a way to keep fit, the sport also helps with reducing anxiety and stress for better mental health. As well as this, self-esteem, confidence and social skills will also see improvements.
Furthermore, football presents a range of transferable skills such as developing leadership, problem- solving, teamwork, and communication skills. Therefore, getting your daughter involved early can have a beneficial impact on their early development that will continue into later life stages.
How to get started with girls’ football training
The first step in getting your kids involved with youth football is to find a training academy or club, this could be done through their school or through a local grassroots organisation. Other pathways include the following:
Weetabix Wildcats - This club is for young girls aged 5-11. Perfect for first-time players, sessions take place across the country on a weekly basis, usually after school or on weekends.
The FA Girls’ England Talent Pathway - This talent pathway means that girls are coached during their training to improve confidence and encourage participation in national and international competitions. The National Talent Camps support U14s and U15s, while the Advanced Coaching Centres and Regional Talent Clubs coach girls from U10 to U16.
Mini soccer groups - Mini soccer runs across the country, playing 5v5 or 7v7 football, these teams are suitable for girls aged 7-10.
Toddler football - There are plenty of toddler football groups to introduce kids under the age of 5 to the sport. This is great for early years development and improving motor and social skills.
Youth teams - In youth teams, girls aged 11-16 get the chance to play football at their nearest club, usually on a weekly basis, gaining invaluable practice before advancing in the sport.
Up to what age can girls play football with boys?
The FA states that girls can play with boys up until the age of 18, having raised the age from 16. However, many youth clubs will still have separate teams, as this can make the players feel more comfortable. It’s worth asking what the procedure is in your local youth club so that you can pick one that is right for your child.
Girls football kits
Your local club might require you to have a dedicated kit, oftentimes they will order this for you in-line with the existing players’ kits. However, when your kids are just starting out or are attending training sessions, suitable sportswear in the team colours will suffice. At Avec Sport, we offer a wide range of junior kits to accommodate this. To help you choose, we’d recommend the following options:
The Team ID Pro Jersey - This football shirt is made from sweat-wicking fabrics for optimal comfort and improved performance, offering a professional finish, and is available in a variety of colours.
Focus Classic Football Shorts - Secured with a concealed drawcord and elasticated waistband, these shorts offer a full range of movement for better performance.
Classic Team Sock - the snug arch band and cushioning around the heel and toes offer a soft and supportive feel on the pitch, all the while protecting the legs from scrapes and scratches.
For colder days, we’d also suggest investing in an overlay - especially if they’re playing or training outdoors. The Focus Tech overlay is made from our signature premium sweat-wicking fabric, offering a lightweight feel and comfortable stretch, whilst maintaining an added layer of warmth.
Get started with girls’ football with Avec Sport
Whether your daughter wants to play for England or play for fun, there’s no doubt that football is becoming increasingly popular with young girls and women alike, and more opportunities to get involved are arising. If they’re keen to get started, why not browse our selection of junior sportswear to find high quality kit to support your daughter’s training?