A record number of female footballers enjoyed a fun-filled half-term in Oxford last week at a dedicated girls only holiday camp designed to inspire, develop and connect young players.
Operated by Oxford United in the Community, the sessions were delivered at The Oxford Academy in Littlemore and open to girls of all playing abilities and experiences aged 5-13.
Players combined training and skills drills with team challenges and matches while activities were led by the charity’s team of community coaches.
There was even a special appearance from United’s first-team players Cameron Brannagan and Mark Harris who posed for photos, signed boots and shirts and answered any burning questions participants wished to ask.
The bumper response to the girls only sessions happened less than a year after Oxford United in the Community launched its first ever girls only holiday camp provision. And Lead Community Coach Rob Porter said the camp has gone from strength to strength since.
“It’s been really pleasing to see numbers at our girls only holiday camps grow as each school term has passed,” said Rob. “Not only do they broaden playing opportunities locally, but they also help connect likeminded young players and support them in developing key skills which can be applied both on and off the pitch.
“Provisions of this kind are so important, especially given the explosion in popularity of women’s football. More and more girls are wanting to play football in an organised environment, so it’s key they are provided with opportunities to do so.
“We’ll be operating more girls only holiday camps through the year, and we’d anyone whose daughter has a passion for football to get involved.”
In addition to the charity’s girls only camps, mixed sessions were organised at The Oxford Academy and Easington Sports FC.
Both mixed camps sold out, with all profits generated from the sessions reinvested back into the charity’s work to inspire happier, healthier and better-connected communities across Oxfordshire by using the power of sport.
United forward Mark Harris, who attended one of the sessions at The Oxford Academy, added: “It was great to see so many young boys and girls showing plenty of passion for playing football – and it took me back to my younger playing days.
“Hopefully the visit gave them a bit more inspiration and it acts as something which can help them take their game to the next level.”
Details of Oxford United in the Community’s Easter Holiday camps – including another girls only session – will be announced soon, with spaces available to book online via the charity’s website once dates are confirmed.