Girls light up Foundation UV tournament

Female footballers from the North East and Yorkshire lit up a regional glow in the dark football tournament hosted by Foundation of Light. Sunderland AFC's registered charity welcomed teams representing Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday to Monkwearmouth Academy to compete in the annual Regional Premier League UV Tournament on recently. The teams, who are part of each club's Premier League Girls programme, donned face paint and neon bibs for the special event which saw St Bedes Catholic Comprehensive School win the U16s group for the Black Cats and Sheffield United Community Foundation crowned U13s champions.

Some of the girls have never tried UV football before so hosting this tournament is all about getting them trying new formats of football. We put on these events to engage girls in football, to get that enjoyment and try something new. We've been lucky enough to get some UV equipment so it's a great opportunity to get them down and try and engage them as much as possible. We're hoping to run weekly sessions here at Monkwearmouth and continue to provide events for other clubs in the area.

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

Amy Thompson, PE Teacher at St Bedes, added: "I didn't know what to expect but seeing the equipment and the tournament itself the opportunity for the girls to take part is fantastic." Helen Sheperd, Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme Girls and Women’s Officer, said: "It's great for the girls to play against other clubs and experiencing different varieties of football and different areas they can play. Meeting new people is also a massive thing." [embed]https://youtu.be/cDMI8PnjgX8[/embed] Through its Premier League Girls and Evening and Weekend sessions, Foundation of Light provides opportunities for female footballers to progress to the Sunderland and Gateshead Regional Talent Club as well as developing coaches of the future through qualifications and work placements.