A unique opportunity has risen in Sheffield for women interested in coaching football thanks to the UEFA Women’s European Championships Legacy Programme.
With this summer’s tournament being held in England and Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane due to host four matches, the Sheffield and Hallamshire Football Association has been awarded funding for bursaries to help the development of amateur female coaches in the city.
Lisa Moseley, Development Manager at Yorkshire Sport Foundation, said: “The excitement for the Women’s Euro 2022 is continuing to build, and it will be fantastic to have some of the best players in Europe representing their country here in Yorkshire.
“All of those players wouldn’t have been able to achieve what they have without the support of coaches.”
The bursaries will cover the full £160 cost of the course for any applicant who is currently volunteering, or seeking opportunities to volunteer, within football in Sheffield and will commit to completing the Introduction to Coaching Football course before July 2022.
In order to apply, prospective coaches must complete an expression of interest form to explain how they will personally benefit from the coaching bursary, as well as the impact on female football across Sheffield.
Ms Moseley added: “This bursary scheme will help to increase the number of qualified coaches in Yorkshire, and in turn play its part in providing more opportunities for women and girls to play the game.”
The bursary is one of several schemes funded by the Legacy Programme, with Sheffield’s FA having multiple aims ranging from doubling the number of female football opportunities to launching a range of organised competitions across all age groups.
Sarah Wood, football development manager at Sheffield and Hallamshire FA, said: “We want to inspire women and girls to get involved in the beautiful game, whether this is playing at a grassroots club, coaching a team or refereeing a game.
“We’ll do this by working with our partners and grassroots volunteers to create fun, safe, accessible and inclusive environments for females.”
Three group stage matches in Group C between Holland, Sweden and Switzerland will be held at Bramall Lane in July before the Blades’ home will host a semi-final on Tuesday 26th July. Tickets starting at just £10 are still available here: https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing/
