In summer 2024, a group of girls aged between 13-16 from Law, Learning and Leisure, Handsworth noticed there was a lack of accessible football tournaments for girls in their local area. To bridge this gap, the girls not only arranged their own tournament but recruited the support of system partners from across Birmingham to provide coaching and workshops for participants, led by female youth coaches.
The girls not only wanted to create a tournament, they also aimed to create a safe, supportive environment where girls could build confidence, make new friends, learn new skills whilst engaging with football. For some, the event was an opportunity to have fun and connect with friends; for others, it was a platform to set goals and improve their game.
StreetGames partnered with Birmingham City Foundation, BLESST CIC, and Birmingham United CIC to organise a girls-only football festival. Held on Saturday, August 10th, at Hodge Hill College in Birmingham, the festival welcomed up to 80 girls, from various Bring it on Brum! providers.
Participating organisations provided transportation for their groups and female staff members or parents stayed with the girls to ensure a supportive environment. Consideration was given to cultural sensitivities and dietary needs in the provision of lunch and drinks and organisers offered assistance to participants needing appropriate footwear.
The festival was aligned with StreetGames’ “Doorstep Sport” model, which emphasises providing accessible, fun and locally relevant sports opportunities for young people from underserved communities.
The design of the event was guided by StreetGames’ national research, including insights from their Youth Insight Summary Report. This report, based on feedback from 1,000 young voices, highlighted the unique barriers faced by young people from low-income and underserved communities, including material barriers such as cost, transport and facility access, as well as psychological barriers like lack of confidence.
This research shaped the delivery of the event, ensuring that it catered to different levels of interest and ability. The event was more than a tournament—it was an opportunity for the girls to have fun, learn new skills and build connections in an inclusive environment.
Feedback from Law Leisure Learning highlighted how important it was for girls to feel comfortable, supported and included. For some, the opportunity to play football was an exciting chance to push themselves, while for others, it was a more casual, social experience.
Understanding these diverse needs, the event was designed to minimise barriers to participation. Female-only coaches and staff were critical to creating an environment where the girls felt safe and supported. Additionally, trainers or AstroTurf shoes were acceptable for participation and organisers provided assistance for any group that needed help securing equipment.
This event was not just a one-off; it was part of a larger conversation about the role of girls in football and how to ensure sustainable opportunities for participation. StreetGames, in collaboration with Birmingham City Foundation and other partners, used the event as a starting point for long-term development.
Following the festival, all participants were invited to attend a women’s football match hosted by Birmingham City Foundation in October/November, providing a further opportunity to engage with the sport. This event will serve as a springboard for ongoing support, including free football sessions for girls aged 8-18 and potential coaching opportunities in the future.
StreetGames is committed to supporting organisations in developing sustainable football programmes for girls. This includes access to coaching, connections to clubs and competitions, and support for workforce development in youth and community settings. StreetGames also offered guidance on funding opportunities, with StreetGames highlighting resources and running workshops on pulling together funding applications.
Additionally, Talent ID opportunities were introduced, with direct links to the FA’s Discover My Talent initiative. Organisations were encouraged to refer players with potential, providing pathways for talented girls to further their football careers.
#HerGameToo, an organisation advocating for girls and women in sports, conducted a central workshop at the event, discussing the challenges girls face in sports and offering support and guidance. This event was also linked to StreetGames’ wider campaign to promote girls’ participation in sport, including the emerging Us Girls campaign across Birmingham.
An initial research and insight piece is currently underway to evaluate the impact of the event and guide future developments. The insights gathered will inform the next stage of this work, helping to refine the approach and further develop sustainable opportunities for girls in sport.
The StreetGames girls’ football festival was a successful response to a local need, offering a safe and inclusive space for girls to play football, learn new skills and build confidence. By addressing barriers to participation and providing long-term development opportunities, StreetGames and its partners are helping to create a sustainable future for girls’ football in underserved communities. This event demonstrates the power of community-led, needs-driven initiatives to foster inclusion, empowerment and growth in sport.