Award recognition for women and girls football initiative

Foundation of Light's commitment to women's and girls grassroots football has been recognised by the Football Association. The charity's Girls' Talent Pathway, which has engaged over 500 participants in the past 12 months, has been shortlisted for the 'Best Participation Initiative' at next month's FA Women's Football Awards. Using a range of creative coaching sessions and events such as UV football, school festivals and Soccercise, the Pathway provides a fun 'first steps' into football with the goal of building a life-long love of the game regardless of fitness levels or ability. For those who have the desire and talent to play at the highest level, the Foundation offers opportunities to progress into elite football – playing, coaching or officiating – via its Player Development Squads, Regional Talent Club, Coaches Academy and Football Scholarship. The Pathway uses positive role models such as Sunderland AFC Ladies players, who frequently attend tournaments and school events, as well as qualified coaches and officials to inspire young people and demonstrate that there is an achievable future for them in football.

We are delighted to be nominated for the FA Women's Participation Award and for our Girls Talent Pathway to be recognised nationally. We work extremely hard to give everyone access to football and sport, with an emphasis on fun and personal achievement before talent.

Helen Byrne, Foundation of Light Premier League Primary Stars Events Coordinator

The annual awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Friday 1st June, at The Brewery, London, and for the 20th year will celebrate the very best of women’s football, from grassroots through to international level. The winner of the ‘Best Participation Initiative’ will represent the values of The FA's strategy for women's and girls' football, which aims to double participation by 2020. The award celebrates initiatives that encourage girls to believe that football is a sport for them as well as recognise the success of grassroots football development programmes that have inspired women and girls to play.