FAW launch BE.FC – a teenage girls recreational programme | OneFootball

Photo: FA Wales

On International Day of the Girl, the FAW launches BE.FC, a new recreational programme that enables teenage girls across Wales to join a community, play football and make friends.

BE.FC stands for BE. Football Community and aims to address the common dropout of girls from sports at age 13. Through extensive research and consultation, the FAW has created a programme specifically tailored to the needs of teenage girls.

By providing a safe space for connection and learning, the FAW hosted focus groups where teenage girls from across Wales helped shape and develop a brand-new programme to keep them engaged in football.

During this process, 600 girls across Wales shared their desire to enjoy football in a social, pressure-free environment where they can connect with friends. With support from the FIFA Women’s Development Programme, this feedback led to the creation of BE.FC.

What is BE.FC?

• A community built by teenage girls, for teenage girls. With reduced commitment, this programme offers a “Turn Up and Play” offer, where girls aged between 12-16 can enjoy fun sessions, with designated social time.

• The programme offers more than just an engaging environment for girls to play football. Outside of the sessions, participants can explore exciting, bespoke content whilst learning more about their favorite football stars. Through the BE.FC app, users can earn badges and XP while enjoying a safe, secure space designed to support them through important life stages, including managing their menstrual cycle, wellbeing and confidence.

Photo: FA Wales

Bethan Woolley, Senior Women & Girls’ Grassroots Manager said: “We are so excited to launch the BE.FC, this programme has been designed by teenage girls across Wales and will allow all girls to interact with football, meet like-minded people, and enjoy football in a relaxed environment. This programme has been designed to create a community for girls, to not only enjoy playing football but to become fans of the game and create a network within their local community. We know girls have increased pressures upon reaching their teenage years, and it is imperative we support them through this to allow them to continue and thrive within physical activity – BE.FC does just that.”

Ben Field, Head of Grassroots Football said: “We are delighted to launch this programme and continue our commitment to provide new targeted participation opportunities to grow & retain the number of people playing football. This year we launched the “Enhancing Lives Through Football” Grassroots strategy, with a key objective of reducing the number of children leaving football between ages 12-17. This programme is a huge step in achieving this and providing flexible and appealing playing opportunities for all girls in football.”

The FAW have partnered with the following organisations, who will be offering BE.FC sessions to their local communities; CPD Y Rhyl, CPDM Bangor, Conwy Borough FC, Welshpool FC, Game on Wales, Newport Live, Camrose FC, Swansea City Foundation, Fairwater FC, Graig Villa Dino FC.

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