Lincoln City have been on a mission to inspire girls to aim for a career in sport across Lincolnshire.
Capitalising on the 100th anniversary of the day women’s football was banned by the FA, Lincoln City Foundation’s Head of Engagement Elizabeth Welch joined Football Development Manager and Lincoln City Women Captain Amy Kay, for the start of a tour around Lincolnshire Secondary Schools. They aim to reach as many Lincolnshire girls as possible to educate them about the history of women’s football and how the women’s football ban still impacts the sport today. This is part of a pledge to raise the aspirations of girls across the county to aim for a career in sport.
Jonathan Foot, Head of PE at Branston Community Academy said
“The assemblies were excellent in informing all pupils in both the history and importance of women's football in this country over the last 100+ years. It informed the pupils of the significance of the past, present and future of women's football, a message that everyone should be aware off. “
Over the years numerous sports providers and scholars have noticed a gender imbalance across all sports programmes, which is something that is reflected across the board in statistics around the globe and the Foundation’s own programmes. This inequality has stemmed from several reasons, lack of media icons, opportunities and attitudes, to name but a few.
Amy Kay believes a lot of this can be traced back to the impact of the ban.
“If we look back to before the 1920’s women’s football was thriving, attracting a significantly higher figure than that of the men’s game. During its 50 year ban that support has dwindled and female players everywhere are still playing catch up. We hope that in educating local girls, not only about the history of women’s football but also the direction in which it is heading now, will inspire girls to dream and realise that there are opportunities for them, both on and off the pitch”
Pledging to strive to make a difference in Lincolnshire is something Lincoln City are passionate about. This was showcased at Lincoln City Football Club’s recent home game on the 27th November, when they hosted Accrington Stanley. Announcing their recent partnership with ‘Her Game Too,’ Lincoln City dedicated their match fixture to women’s football, shining a spotlight on local female players.
The Lincoln City Girl’s Academy were treated to a lap of honour at half-time as well as assisting play as that game’s Matchday Ball Assistants. Lincoln City Women were hosted in the Fan Village to allow them to engage with local fans and the match programme featured numerous articles and inspiring stories about the women’s game.
Lincoln chief executive Liam Scully added:
“With the benefit of today's eyes the FA’s ban sounds remarkable, with the growth in the women's game in recent years seeing success for our national team and the establishment of a fully professional league.
“Lincoln Women sit top at the FA Women's National League Division One Midlands table after a strong start to the season. We've worked hard to develop strong links with the women's team and there is a commitment from both sides to continue that.
"This season also saw the expansion of provision for girls in our Foundation as we aim to become a real centre of excellence for any youngster in the area whether they are a boy or girl.
"In the build-up to our dedicated game we've also announced our support for Her Game Too, a campaign set up by 12 female football fans in May 2021. Their aims include raising awareness of sexism in football, educating, creating welcoming environments and opportunities, research and developing a strong sense of community.
"As a club we're committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone."
Through their Girls and Women’s Academy and PL Kicks Girls session, Lincoln City are hoping to bridge that gap in Lincolnshire, ensuring that girls have access to the same opportunities as the boys, and teach girls across the county that there is a career for them in sport, they just have to reach for it.