Supporting Local: The Importance of Your Grassroots Women’s Football Team

Over the last few years, the female football scene has hit something of a boom in London. Grassroots leagues are expanding to cater to the increased number of teams all across the capital. But as amazing as it is to see the vibrant football community in London grow, the rest of the country still has some work to do to catch up.  

The online community This Fan Girl - an award-winning, not-for-profit digital community - decided to take matters into their own hands and set up their own grassroots team. The result was Vicky Park Queens in Leicester. The initiative came as a result of various lockdowns and being bored of isolated, indoor training, they write in their Instagram post. Vicky Park Queens then offered women in Leicester a space to meet, connect and learn something new together. All of this came about during challenging times, where the mental health of young people has been severely tested due to social restrictions, initiatives like this can really be a life saver. Nine women turned up for the first session; numbers have almost quadrupled (!) since and sessions run twice weekly: a testament to their growth and love for the game.

Vicky Park Queens aren’t, however, the only notable grassroots team outside of London. There are Manchester Laces and Worsley Wanderers in Manchester; Steps FC and The Lilies in Bristol; and COGS (Crawley Old Girls), a community in Crawley teaching football to women of all ages.

I have personal experience of the difference that joining a football team can make on your life. Not only has my friendship group grown with 20+ people since I joined my team Victoria Park Vixens three years ago, but I also feel a sense of belonging in a city where I did not grow up, nor have any roots in. It has had an immeasurably positive effect on my physical and mental well-being to be a part of such an inclusive and supportive community. 

So if you’re in the mindset of “new year, new goals” (pun intended - of course), joining a local team might just do the trick. And if there isn’t one, why not follow This Fan Girl’s example and start up your own? I promise you won’t regret it.