Introduction
In summer 2024, StreetGames introduced a female football event in response to a clear need expressed by a group of girls at Law Leisure Learning, one of the local doorstep sport providers. These girls, aged 13-16, were interested in playing football but faced barriers to participation, including a lack of confidence and limited opportunities to play in a structured competition.
The event aimed to offer more than just a mini-tournament—it sought to create a safe, supportive environment where girls could build confidence, make new friends, learn new skills, and engage with football in a fun, inclusive way.
Event Design and Purpose
The event was designed to provide a variety of experiences, from casual participation to more structured competition, catering to girls at different stages of confidence and skill. It featured coaching sessions, workshops, and a mini-tournament, all led by skilled female youth coaches who delivered the sessions in a way that resonated with the participants.
The idea behind this female-only event was to empower girls in a safe and fun environment, with a focus on socialising, learning and developing their football skills. 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.
Collaboration and Support
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, with each group consisting of 8-10 participants. Smaller groups were paired up on the day to ensure full participation.
Logistics were carefully managed to overcome common barriers to participation. Each locally trusted organisation (LTO) 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.
Doorstep Sport Context and National Research
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 informed 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.
Overcoming Barriers to Participation
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.
Long-Term Development and Sustainability
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 and LTOs 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.
Supporting Local Development
StreetGames is committed to supporting LTOs 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. LTOs were encouraged to refer players with potential, providing pathways for talented girls to further their football careers.
Advocacy and Insight
#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 Can campaign across Birmingham.
Evidence of Impact
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.
Conclusion
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.