University News Last updated 15 March 2018
Two students have gained valuable experience promoting women's football.
Two Birmingham City University students are aiming to tackle sporting inequality after being appointed to roles funded by Football Association (FA) and AoC Sport to help promote women’s football.
Liz Thomas from Stourbridge and Aisha Siddiq from Leicester, have been given roles as FA Women’s and Girls Football Interns as part of the FA’s drive to get more women and girls involved in the sport.
The roles, which are hosted by Joseph Chamberlain College, have been funded by the Football Association and AoC Sport.
The news is a boost for the first year students, who are currently completing their Physical Education and School Sport degree, which is part of the University’s new Department of Sport and Exercise.
The pair have been delivering training sessions with female teams at local schools and colleges.
Birmingham City University student, Liz Thomas, said:“It has been incredible working for the FA so far, and Aisha and I feel so privileged to have been given this wonderful opportunity to promote such a fantastic sport.
“The Football Association is aiming to recruit more female coaches and players and we are thrilled to be able to help develop the sport and give young people opportunities in the game.
“I have always had a passion for football and I am humbled to have been given this opportunity. We are both very excited for what the future holds in girls’ and women’s football.
Women’s football has become one of the most prominent female team sports played around the world.
Throughout its development, the Football Association has worked to create opportunities for women and girls to play nationally, leading to it becoming officially the biggest female sport played in England.
According to the Football Association figures last season over female 147,000 players competed in affiliated league and cup competitions – a figure which stood at 10,400 in 1993.