The Member of the Senedd for Delyn, Hannah Blythyn, has met with students from Flint High School to see firsthand the positive difference the Be Football program is making to them.
Hannah joined Bethan Woolley, National Women & Girls Participation Manager Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Helen Antoniazzi, Head of Public Affairs for the FAW pitch side at a school session, to see some of their skills in action as well as to find out more about how girls can learn life skills through football.
Delyn MS, Hannah Blythyn, said:
“It was good to have the chance to see and hear first-hand how the programme is playing out here in Flintshire. The enthusiasm of the older students who have taken on a role as ‘influencer’s’ encouraging and training the younger students was exciting to see, as well as the difference it is making to their wider skills and self-confidence.
The visit was also an opportunity to learn more about the initiative more widely and how it is being rolled out in schools across the country, including the programme’s value in aiming to increase the number of girls participating and enjoying football related activities alongside developing leadership roles.
It is certainly something I would have like to have seen back in the day when I was at school, and I would encourage all schools in Flintshire who haven’t yet signed up to do so.”
The Be Football program is designed to be delivered in partnership with schools, with the aim of supporting both teachers and pupils to develop confidence in using football as a vehicle to develop broader skills.
Having a scheme which enables teachers to engage girls in curriculum based physical education through football, can help identify and develop life skills and support girls to be empowered to lead football-related activity for others, developing other key transferable skills for life.
Helen Antoniazzi from FAW Cymru said:
“It was great to be able to take Hannah to see the Be Football Schools programme in action at Flint High, as it meant that she was able to see first-hand the incredibly positive impact that the programme has on the girls who take part. The Be Football schools programme enables girls in schools across Wales to realise the benefits that football can bring.
Beyond the obvious health and wellbeing benefits that the physical activity of football provides, this programme helps to equip the young women who take part with valuable leadership and team skills while also building their confidence and self-esteem, supporting them to fulfil their potential in the longer term.
The Football Association of Wales wants to see every young woman and girl given the opportunity to participate in football and is looking to work with all schools in Wales to make that happen. I would encourage anyone who’d like to know more about the Be Football Schools programme to get in touch!”
Virtual teacher training sessions started in November, and will continue until February, where face to face training will take place at the end of the Spring term.
More information can be found by contacting girlsfootball@faw.cymru