Calling all young female football enthusiasts in the Paulton area! If you have a passion for the game and want to be part of an exciting team, the Girls U9's Team at Purnell Sports Youth could be your ideal match.

Established in January of this year, the U9's girl's team is a vibrant addition to the local sports scene. The team is part of Purnell Sports Youth and competes in the Wiltshire County Women and Girls League under the name “Purnell Sports Youth Under 9 Girls.”

The team was born out of a desire to provide local girls with more opportunities to play football. In the area, girls had limited options to explore their passion for the sport, with most teams either being non-competitive or mixed. This gap in opportunities inspired the creation of the team, aiming to offer a competitive yet inclusive environment where girls could thrive.

At the heart of the team are dedicated coaches who bring their passion and experience to the field:

Head Coach, Paul Green: As an airline pilot with a flexible schedule, Paul found a way to share his love for football through coaching. He said: “Growing up, I have always played football, being a member of my school football team throughout. As an adult with a busy schedule, it has been impossible to commit to playing myself. So I have handed over the baton to my daughter!”

Assistant Coaches, Darren and Michelle Gould: Darren brings twelve years of experience as a goalkeeper for Farrington Gurney and Farrington Albion. Michelle’s involvement stems from supporting her younger brother at football matches when they were young. Their daughter Rosie is also a key player on the team.

The Purnell Sports Youth Under 9 Girls team is more than just a sports team; it’s a place where young girls can grow both as athletes and individuals. Head Coach Paul explains: “The team allows the girls to come and experience football in a supportive environment.”

“Many of the girls join us shy and reserved, and over the course of an hour, they start to develop into leaders. We empower the girls to communicate with each other and show leadership both on and off the field.”

“It is not just about how they play on the field. We work on a lot of the soft skills around communication, leadership and resilience that they can carry into everyday life”.

The team trains once a week and plays matches every Saturday at 10:30am. Matches are a mix of home games at Cam Valley and away games at other venues. This gives players the opportunity to connect with fellow football enthusiasts and experience different playing environments.

Readers interested in supporting the team can attend their matches. The girls recently played their first competitive league match at Cam Valley on Saturday, 9th September. The girls play at home every other Saturday morning.

The team welcomes girls in school years 3 and 4, regardless of their skill level. With a commitment to keeping football accessible to all, they are actively seeking sponsors to support their mission. Sponsorship helps cover essential expenses such as pitch hire, equipment, and training facilities, ensuring that the team remains accessible to the local community.

Barclays Bank’s ‘Sport Ed’ Scheme recently awarded the team a small bursary to purchase new football kits for the girls, highlighting the potential for community support.

Join the Purnell Sports Youth Under 9 Girls on their exciting journey and help empower the next generation of female footballers!

For more information on joining or sponsorship opportunities, contact Paul on: 07525 929100 or email: [email protected]