New role at Worksop college to inspire girls into football

North Notts college aims to inspire more females to play football by employing a new apprentice.

The FA Women’s Football Development Officer Apprentice Programme will see North Notts College working with the FA to employ an apprentice to deliver football participation programmes.

The college offers a range of sport and sport science courses at its Worksop campus, led by former professional footballer turned curriculum team leader David Merris.

David said: “It’s great news that this new role will encourage more females to play football.

“The success of the England Lionesses over the last few years has helped capture the imagination and has seen more females play football than ever before – but there is still more that can be done to reduce the barriers that prevent some girls from getting involved.”

College group head of learner experience and quality, Rebecca Blackburn, will work closely with the new officer, who will play a part in providing opportunities for females to take part in sport.

Rebecca said: “College is about so much more than just what you learn in the classroom, it’s about the wider experience and having the opportunity to try new things.

“This new role will help females, whether they are students on study programmes, apprentices or adult learners, get involved in a game that definitely isn’t just for the boys.

“We’ll be working closely with the Sheffield and Nottinghamshire Football Associations to develop partnerships with local grassroots clubs and ensure that our students have a pathway to continue playing or volunteering.

“We’ll also be looking at ways that we can increase participation in football by providing opportunities for our students with disabilities to get involved.

“With the UEFA Women’s European Championships hosting games locally at Bramall Lane in Sheffield and at the New York Stadium in Rotherham in 2022, we hope that this role will inspire lots more females to take part in the beautiful game.”

The women’s football development officer role will be advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website soon.