New women's football club to open in Kingston next month
Kingston Swans Football Club (FC) is opening on Thursday, 8 May, offering women in the community the chance to learn or return to football in a welcoming environment.
The sessions are open to women aged 18 to 81+ with no previous experience necessary.
Although, the growth of female football continues to accelerate, most females over the age of 25 have previously been denied the same chances to play and participate in women's football like they do today.
Therefore, the aim of the Swans football programme is to provide an opportunity for this age group to play and help reduce the risk of it becoming football's lost generation.
Swans Football started in Twickenham and now regularly attracts nearly 50 players over its two weekly sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
One of Swans FC's Twickenham members, Laura, said: ""After years of cheerleading from the sidelines, it's great to finally make it on to the pitch with a bunch of like-minded mums who want to have fun, stay active and show their daughters they can play too".
An additional venue in Chiswick opened last year and a further venue covering Richmond and Barnes launched earlier this year.
Speaking about Swans FC, one of its Chiswick members Emma said: ""The coaching caters for players of all abilities, especially those, like me, who are new to the game.
"Every week we practice new things and end the session with a match which is always great fun."
The sessions attract a broad spectrum of players, including many women who have never played before; women who used to play but dropped out of the sport due to changes in lifestyle and life stage.
Parents of youth footballers for Swans football have proven to be keen to better understand the game their children play and / or to help support their knowledge of the game as managers and coaches.
Jill, a Richmond Swans FC member said: ""I never had the chance to play when I was younger so I'm loving the chance to play now. The sessions are friendly, fun and welcoming and are the highlight of my week".
The sessions are welcoming and inclusive with the emphasis on keeping fit, meeting friends, and having fun.
Due to the popularity of the sessions, the ambition for Swans FC is to continue to expand to neighbouring areas with the new Kingston venue opening next month.
The Kingston sessions will take place at Tiffin Girls School every Thursday from 8pm - 9pm.
Kate Wells, Football Development Officer, Middlesex FA, said: "The impact the sessions are having on women aged over 30 is undeniable.
"We congratulate everyone involved in the Swans football programme in creating better and equal opportunities for all."
Swans FC's Founder, Eamonn Newell, said: "We are excited to keep expanding the Swans programme and create more opportunities for women to play.
"It has been inspiring to witness the players' determination and commitment and the many new friendship groups that are being created along the way. We want to continue attracting more players to the game with the emphasis on fitness, friendship and fun.
Anyone interested in attending should register on Swans' website or email the club at [email protected].
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