Only way is up for new Newbury District Primary School U11 Girls team

The frosty weather was no match for the Newbury district primary school (PSFA) U11 girls at their first home game and neither is pressure, fierce competition or society’s views on female sport.

Recently dubbed the fastest growing sport in the country, women’s football has seen a rise in WSL attendance records, growth in women’s and girls’ teams down to grassroots level and an overall shift in attitudes nationally.

Newbury’s new district PSFA U11 girls team played their first Southern Counties League home game on October 29 at Speenhamland field winning 6-1 against Gloucester PSFA.

Coach Matt Winch got things running for the squad, assisted by chairwoman Charlotte Wilson, boys' manager Adam Page, manager Claire Neale and other parents in the area.

A poster, circulated on social media and around local schools, saw 70 girls turning up for trials – exceeding expectations.

Mr Winch said: “I was surprised to hear that there wasn’t a girl’s team.

“I actually wasn’t too sure it was going to happen but with the support of the PSFA it has been a dream.

“They’re now playing and they’re loving it.

“It is a historic moment, a big thing for girl’s football in Newbury.”

Looking forward, Mr Winch hopes to see an all-female coaching team – something he says is missing, even in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

He said: “It just feels disingenuous having male coaches.

“There should be more representation. Girls will see female coaches in the side-line and think if I can’t go on to be a pro, I can go and coach.”

There are many misconceptions, even at this level, with some worried that the girls won’t be as skilful or strong as the boys and some even wanting to change game times so girls can play under warmer temperatures.

“It baffles my mind that you’re going to be any more cold if you’re a girl –why would the human body be worried if it is female or male in terms of temperature?” Mr Winch asked.

“There’s no need to worry about cold or pain, they [girls] just crack on.”

He added: “I can’t see women’s football going backwards it can only go upwards.

“You talk to the girls about who their favourite players are and they’ll give you a list. That didn’t happen before.”

Rachel Daily, Millie Bright and Lauren Hemp were among answers from players Olivia Lewis, vice-captain Isla Ladds and captain Hattie Mason.

“I thought Chloe Kelly’s [Euro final] goal was amazing,” said 11-year-old Olivia, who has been playing football since she was six.

“I was there, it was a great environment and it inspired me as I picked up a lot of ideas and skills to make me a better player.

"I think playing for district has really helped me because I get to meet so many new people and they teach me to make me better.

“These amazing girls make me want to play more and be the best that I can be.”

Teammate Isla, 10, has also been playing since the age of six, starting with Thatcham Tornadoes – where she said she built most of her confidence.

Striker Isla, who put four past Gloucester and also plays for Reading, said: “I want to be a professional footballer and I think I can do it.”

Captain Hattie, like her teammates, tried out other sports before this but felt a special calling towards football.

She said: “I have always liked tackling and I have a lot of fun working as a team.

“I was shocked to be captain because all of these girls are so brilliant.”

Hattie went on to defend strongly alongside Olivia, who scored the team's second goal in a very strong first half.

Manager and mother of two girls, Claire Neal, was watching from the sidelines and echoed the girls’ views saying their love for the game is evident in the brilliant way that they play.

She said: “The game’s always been around but the Lionesses brought it forward in people’s minds.

“It has given them a boost of confidence because some who thought they couldn’t play now might try it.”