Football enthusiasts dreaming of becoming the next Chloe Kelly are being encouraged to sign-up to Oxford United in the Community’s girls only holiday camps later this month.

The football club’s official charity has launched a four-day camp for female participants aged 4-13 only at The Oxford Academy in Littlemore between Tuesday, May 30, and Friday, June 2.

Sessions will be packed with fun, engaging and inclusive activities suitable for female players of all abilities with drills teaching football skills and techniques with a focus on developing agility, balance and coordination.

The camp will operate alongside Oxford United in the Community’s existing mixed programme which will also be delivered at The Oxford Academy on the same dates through the forthcoming half-term break.

Rob Porter, Lead Community Coach at Oxford United in the Community, said increasing the charity’s holiday camp provision reflects a growing demand among girls interested in playing football both locally and nationally.

“There is no doubt additional media exposure of the professional game and England’s Euro 2022 triumph have contributed significantly to the growth of women’s football in recent years,” said Rob.

“What’s great to see is that interest at the highest level has filtered down to the grassroots game and the number of young girls playing or engaging with football across the UK is now higher than ever.

“This is replicated in Oxfordshire, which is why our all-new girls only holiday camp has been launched to inspire the next generation of female players. Sessions are suitable for players of all abilities and spaces are limited, so we encourage parents wishing to book either a session or full week of activities to do so now.”

The inclusion of girls only sessions at Oxford United in the Community’s holiday camps follows news that 100,000 more female participants are playing football now compared to five years ago.

Sport England data revealed over 777,000 girls play football in a formal setting each week with the number of informal participants up by 200,000 since 2017.

Rob added: “By providing a positive first experience to new participants, we hope our holiday camps can be used as a lever to inspire more girls to add their names to the growing number of players nationally.

“Locally, it’s been a breakthrough season for Oxford United Women and we’re aware their achievements this year play an equally valuable role in inspiring the next generation.

“Delivery of this kind has been at the heart of our work since Oxford United in the Community was founded over 30 years ago. This year, we want to take our engagement to the next level and look forward to welcoming everyone pitch side.”

Further information about Oxford United in the Community’s half-term holiday camps – including how to sign-up – is available by https://ouitc.org/course/holiday-courses/

All Oxford United in the Community coaches are FA qualified and have up to date safeguarding, first-aid training and CRC checks. Children need to bring their own football kit, including shin-pads, boots, trainers plus lunch and drinks.

Camp #1 – The Oxford Academy, all children aged 4-13

• Venue – The Oxford Academy School, Sandy Lane West, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 6JZ.
• Times – 9am until 3pm each day. Sign-in open at 8.45am, parents should not drop their children off earlier than this time as there will be no supervision.
• Dates – Tuesday, May 30 – Friday, June 2.
• The dome will be used so children should bring appropriate 3G footwear.

Camp #2 – The Oxford Academy, girls only aged 4-13

• Venue – The Oxford Academy School, Sandy Lane West, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 6JZ.
• Times – 9am until 3pm each day. Sign-in open at 8.45am. Parents should not drop their children off earlier than this time as there will be no supervision.
• Dates – Tuesday, May 30 – Friday, June 2.
• The sports hall will be used, so children should bring indoor trainers.