Girls' football is so important as it gives girls an opportunity to succeed in a male dominated field, giving them confidence that they can perform at the same level. 

The rise of women’s football has been since women’s football was deemed as a proper sport in 1969. Now women’s football is very influential - in 2022 the England’s Women’s football team won the Euros in 2022. 

In the local area, girls' football has also seen a boom. The Peter Symonds girls' football team in 2022 had around 20 girls applying to play. However, there has been a vast development, the 2023 entry had over 50 girls at trials. With such a strong team, the Peter Symonds girls won the league this year, a monumental moment for them. 

Lara Simpson, captain, said: “I feel happiest playing football, I have met so many amazing people that have shaped my life. The sense of community surrounding girls football is fantastic.” 

However, being passionate for football does not come without its trials, Lara said she has faced discrimination throughout her years of playing.

In Peter Symonds there has been an acceleration in the care for girls' football, there have been more opportunities to promote the football team such as an Instagram account (psc.womens.football) which helps the spread of information regarding the team. There has been more funding put into the team and the fees are no longer as expensive as they had been previously. 

Lara also gave advice for any young girls who wanted to start playing football. 

She said: “Start at a recreational level, gain confidence and just enjoy playing the sport.”

The Symonds women's team trains on Friday mornings, and matches are on Wednesday afternoons. 

  • This article was written by Clara Dale-Smith, from Peter Symonds College, as part of Newsquest's Young Reporter Scheme.