Learning from practice

There are particular issues with girls and young women developing a healthy lifestyle; they may be resistant to undertaking physical exercise or participating in sports.

A Local Network Fund Grant aided the development of Heelands Rangers, the first all-female football club in Milton Keynes. Support from the Local Network Fund provided training equipment and helped the team in its expansion into an independent club from its origins as a girls’ team associated with Stanton middle school.

Heelands Rangers take their football seriously and believe that football should be available to any girl or woman, regardless of skill. Any player of any standard is made welcome; there are no trials to join the club. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate, improve their football and to play in home and away games in a league that is affiliated to the FA. The club runs under 10s, under 12s, under 14s, and under 16s squads as well as a senior team, and they have ambitions for further development in county and regional leagues. Once a girl’s interest has been captured there is a progression route through the club structure so that they can turn their enthusiasm into skill, continue to enjoy playing the game and develop an active and healthy lifestyle.

Example taken from Letting the future in - a celebration of innovative projects for children and young people supported by the DfES administered Local Network Fund, and compiled by Community Links - see www.community-links.org/