That’s why I’m pleased to dedicate much of this week’s column to a series of upcoming opportunities relevant to the women and girls’ game – all of which are taking place across your county over the coming weeks and months.

I’ll begin by mentioning our upcoming Female Only Level 1 in Coaching Football Course, which begins at Northumbria University on Wednesday 25 April. We’re always keen to have more women and girls join the FA’s coaching pathway, and this course provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. Spaces are in demand, so please CLICK HERE and secure your place online before it’s too late.

Following the success of last year’s scheme, a total of 15 SSE Wildcats Girls’ Football Centres will be launching across Northumberland this spring, providing girls between the ages of 5-11 with an enjoyable way to play football either after school or at weekends. Last year we saw plenty of girls take up the sport through this scheme, and we’re hoping to continue that success this time around. To find a Centre near you, please CLICK HERE

Finally, as many of you would have seen on our website, a women and girls’ football grassroots coaches clinic will be taking place at Northumbria University’s High Performance Centre on Monday 30 April, between 6pm-9pm. This event provides a great opportunity to learn more about the women and girls game, with a particular focus on both theory and practical coaching sessions. There will be plenty of valuable insight on show and I’m sure it will be a well-attended event, so please CLICK HERE for details.

If you have any questions about these events, or if you simply want to find out more about women and girls football in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact our Women & Girls Football Development Officer, Nicola Hepworth, on Nicola.Hepworth@NorthumberlandFA.com or 0191 270 0700.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

John.

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You can also follow John personally on Twitter by connecting to @NFACEO