STFC Trust launches new centre for girls (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

STFC Trust launches new centre for girls

6:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in Sport

SWINDON Town Football in the Community Trust this week launched two new girls’ developments centres.

Southfields Primary in Highworth and Even Swindon Primary School have now been added to the ever-growing girls’ development programme, which caters for youngsters across the county.

Shane Hewlett, who coordinates the scheme, was shocked and delighted by the huge response from the schools.

He said: “Within 24 hours of the launch of the centres all the places had been filled. We are really looking forward to working with 32 girls who may now go on to play for local football clubs and our girls’ Centre of Excellence”.

The centres were given a cash boost by Mark Nielson of Aligra, who offered to sponsor the programme. He said: “Swindon Town Football in the Community have worked wonders to get over 300 girls playing football in our town. Swindon’s aim is to be one of the biggest girls’ programme in the country and Aligra wanted to play a part in that.”

The centres will educate girls at key stage two level. The participants will receive five weeks of coaching, with the two new projects set to play each other in a friendly fixture in the final week of the programme.

For more information on joining the girls’ programme contact Shane Hewlett for more details on 01793617718.

• THE Football in the Community Trust will hold their latest development course next week.

The programme is designed for boys and girls aged five to 15 and runs from Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am to 3pm), with the option of a fourth day on Friday.

The course gives children the chance to learn new techniques and skills, improve their football performance in a group with experienced FA qualified coaches.

Youngsters will play in mini tournaments, have the chance to meet a Town player on presentation day and receive medals and goodie bags on the County Ground pitch.

There is also the option of playing in a specialised goalkeeping group and a girls-only development group is available too.

Call 01793 421303 or book online at www.officialsoccerschools.co.uk/swindontown.