New FA coach to encourage Island schoolgirls into football

Saturday 08 October 2016

A new appointment to the Jersey Football Association aims to bring more female faces to the traditionally male-dominated sport.

Appointed Jersey FA Community Coach for Girls, Lucy Even will be tasked with increasing girls’ participation in football across the Island. The part-time role will see her tackle in-curricular coaching sessions with primary schools, Jersey FA skills sessions, working with local clubs and supporting the twice yearly FA Girls Football Weeks.

Her appointment comes before the next Football Week, which will run from the 10 to 16 October. Last year saw more than 52,000 girls across the UK defend, shoot and score in female-specific matches and training sessions throughout the week, with 250 from Jersey. Miss Even’s goal, however, is to drive this figure even higher. 

She commented: “I am really excited about my role at the Jersey FA to help develop and increase female participation across the island. I think the FA Girls Football Week is the perfect opportunity to get girls involved and help pass on the information on opportunities available for them in football with the Jersey FA, local clubs and schools.”

Giving his thanks to Education, Sport and Culture for their help with the initiative, Head of Football Development Brian Oliver added that he was “delighted” about Miss Even’s appointment, which will “provide enhanced opportunities for young female players”.

At present, Miss Even will work eight hours per week, but it is hoped that her role can be extended further with sponsorship from a local company.