Race for Life Success for First-Time Female Players
With the sun beating down upon Merseyside, Liverpool County FA’s first-ever Race for Life Women’s Beginner Football Festival on Saturday 30 June at Anfield Sports & Community Centre proved to be a roaring success, with donations raised going to Cancer Research UK.
On the day, a total of 10 teams competed in the festival, made up of players from various backgrounds. Whilst some were the mothers of children playing at local clubs, others were female players from beginner sessions, workplace teams, friends and family – and even a basketball team swapping the court for the pitch.
AFC Warner Colts entered two teams, as did Liverpool Feds, whilst Crosby Ladies, Herald Juniors, Cherry Tarts, Danone, Sefton Stars and Phoenix Ladies completed the line-up for the competition, which was separated into two divisions – Group A and Group B – that saw all teams play four 12-minute games.
Crosby Ladies emerged winners of Group A, whilst Sefton Stars won Group B, resulting in the two teams playing in the festival final. In what was a closely-fought climax to the festival, Crosby Ladies’ 1-0 win saw the side crowned champions in what was an incredible day.
Packed with camaraderie, smiles and laughter, the festival proved to be a hit with everybody involved.
Throughout the course of the festival, Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life team were present to provide vital information on the charity and future events.
All money raised at the Women’s Beginner Football Festival is to be donated to Cancer Research UK, with over £1,000 already raised in cash/online donations, with additional donations still to be collected.
Anna Farrell, Football Development Officer at Liverpool County FA, said: “It was a fantastic day, filled with so much determination, enthusiasm, friendship and laughter. The players were unbelievable and I think some underestimated their own ability. Group B was a closely-contested division, going down to the final game, as was the final between Crosby Ladies and Sefton Stars.
“One player explained to me that her friend is fighting ovarian cancer and told me that this day had given her renewed hope and motivation to help her friend fight this terrible disease. Football is a wonderful game and if it can be used to raise vital funds for a cause like Cancer Research UK and Race for Life, then Liverpool County FA is 100% behind it.
“The festival was just the start and we now plan to create a bi-monthly or monthly league, where players and others can get involved more regularly.”
For more information on women’s football across Merseyside, please contact Anna at Liverpool County FA via anna.farrell@liverpoolfa.com or call 0151 523 4488 (Ext. 110).