Romar Sports Celebrates International Women's Day with Girls' Football Festival

Girls from 15 North Devon primary schools  enjoyed a day of football in Barnstaple on Friday March 10 to mark International Women’s Day.

The event on Tarka Leisure Centre’s 3G pitch was organised by Romar Sports and saw 270 pupils take part in the football festival, which featured mini matches, friendly competitions, skills training and agility drills. 

To celebrate International Women's Day, Romar Sports, under the leadership of Andy Rose, hosted a girls' football festival on Friday, March 8. 

Held at Tarka Leisure Centre's 3G pitch, 270 girls from 15 North Devon Primary Schools enjoyed a morning of football fun together.

The event, supported by Barclays girls' football school partnerships by England Football, aimed to encourage girls to play football and lead active lives.

With the goal of surpassing last year's record of 285,000 girls participating nationwide, the festival sought to create the largest-ever football session across England.

"We are committed to providing equal access for girls to engage in football and physical activity within schools," said Romar Sports. 

Coach Andy Rose

Exeter City Women's first team managers, Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley, along with player Phoebe, attended the event, inspiring the young participants and showing them that there's a pathway for girls in football.

"We are thrilled to see so many girls enthusiastic about playing football," said Katie, a coach for the Exeter Girls Emerging Talent Centre.

"International Women's Day holds particular significance for me, especially in the context of football, as it brings women and girls together."

Educators also expressed their support for the initiative. 

Nancy, a teacher from Newport School in Barnstaple, said: "Events like this inspire our girls and demonstrate the benefits of participating in sports.”

Amelia, a sports leader at The Park School said: "It brings us all together and showcases our strength. Girls can play football and support each other.”

Participants also echoed similar sentiments.

Agnes, a pupil from Sticklepath School said: "Girls of all abilities are welcome, and football provides a sense of belonging." 

Girls interested in getting involved in football can join WEETABIX WILDCATS sessions in Barnstaple, Bideford, or Braunton. 

Romar Sports offers various programs for girls interested in football, with more information available on their website at www.romarsports.com.

For further information on the Let Girls Play initiative, visit girlsfootballinschools.org/letgirlsplay2024.php.