News in 2006

02nd April 2006

Tournament a 'huge success'

Unlimited energy and enthusiasm were the order of the day at an inaugural tournament aimed at attracting women of Asian heritage to play football on Sunday.

The event, organised by ‘dtparticip8’ and funded by the FA, was staged at St Bede’s Specialist Sports College, Blackburn as part of a day of activity in the build up to England’s World Cup qualifying match against France.

For many of the teams, both local and those who travelled in from Bolton and Preston, this was their first taste of competitive football.

Undeterred, however by continuous rain and helped by some basic coaching provided by staff from Blackburn Rovers Ladies, the players grew in confidence, competed well and there was undoubtedly some new football talent being born. Indeed it was not only the women who were discovering new football skills.

Any accompanying children were offered the opportunity of taking part in a ‘Soccer Skills’ session once again led by the Blackburn Rovers players.

Blackburn Centre of Excellence co-ordinator, Gemma Donnelly said "The girls were really impressed by both the players and the children for showing such commitment in what were pretty unpleasant conditions.

"Some of the children were a little cautious to start with but within minutes they were totally absorbed in their activities, perhaps not wanting to be upstaged by the Mums!"

The eventual tournament winners were Lammack who beat Bolton Kick Green, 2–0 in the final.

Lammack captain Mani Sidhu, one of the more experienced players at the event, praised all the teams for their commitment on the day and was "keen that the tournament would act as the starting point to inspire more Asian women into playing football."

The wish that the tournament was just a first step to develop more opportunities to play was universal.

At the presentation, Lucy Faulkner from The FA said: "This was a fantastic day and I was delighted to be here to support it. The FA is absolutely committed to ensure that Asian women and girl have the opportunities to participate in football."

The determination amongst all those involved to build on the new links made was evident and as many made their way on to support England later that evening, there was as a real sense that the event had been a big step in the right direction to achieving the aim.

Source: The FA