A TOP ex-football player is calling for girls to take up the beautiful game and join the Under 14s team at Redditch Borough.
Sarah Finch played for Birmingham City Ladies and Aston Villa Aztecs in 1995 when she was still a teenager.
“I loved playing football but girls and ladies football was a real struggle back then with no pathways to follow,” she said.
“Years of family life have passed me by and after building fitness I searched for a local ladies team and found Redditch Borough Ladies in 2015.”
Sarah said once she had reignited her love for football, she began coaching and managing an under 12s girls team for Redditch Borough with her 12-year-old daughter.
“I quickly learned that girls football in general was very hit and miss in all age groups and recruiting players to bring into teams was exceptionally hard.
“Many girls only decide at age 12 or older that they would like to try out the football team experience and gain skills from scratch.
“My philosophy has always been if any girl wants to begin their football journey at any age, I would bring them in and help develop their skills no matter what ability.”
Last April at Redditch Borough Sarah began Weetabix Wildcats girls only sessions on Sunday mornings from 10.30am which are free for any girl aged three to 12 to get involved in football, make new friends and develop skills.
“Now after having no manager at the start of this season I have stepped in to coach and manage a new U-14s team at Redditch Borough and again, having players drop out because of Saturday jobs and other commitments our struggles begin again,” said Sarah.
“So If you are currently in Years 8 or 9, would like to get involved and play football for a girls team with a commitment of matches being played Saturday mornings and a training session mid week, then please feel free to get in touch with myself at [email protected].”
