Hitchin Belles U9s team have an amazing start to the season

Amazing Apprenticeships are proud sponsors of the Hitchin Belle’s Under 9s team, supporting girls to develop their love for football in a fair and friendly environment.

In this article, Anna Morrison, founder and director of Amazing Apprenticeships explains why it’s so important to her that female football is made a priority.

When I was about 8, I used to love playing football, but I wasn’t allowed to. It was the 1980’s and girls being seen on the football pitch was not permitted. I would occasionally convince the boys in my class to let me join in with their lunchtime kickarounds which was always great fun, but it wasn’t ever a serious game. I probably wasn’t very good at it, but I always remember how much I enjoyed the energy of the game, and of course the euphoria if you scored! I even once got ‘man of the match’ much to the amusement of my dad when I told him that night.

Fast-forward 35 years and I can hardly believe how far it’s come. This week I attended the first coaching session of the year to meet the team that we are sponsoring. It was a joy to meet the girls and their parents, and to see how engaged and passionate they are. I got to spend some time with their coaches too – and they are nothing short of inspirational. The number of hours they volunteer, and the care and passion that they put into nurturing these girls is incredible.

The following morning my daughter and I returned to watch their first game of the season, which lasted one hour and was made up of four quarters. Each 15 minutes, the team would rotate, meaning that all of the players had a chance to experience different positions and roles on the pitch – not dissimilar to a rotational apprenticeship! They were encouraged throughout the game by their family and friends watching from the sidelines with cheers and applause. The dedicated and inspirational coaches that guide and motivate them were with them for every kick, tackle and goal attempt, carefully encouraging and praising them with constructive and thoughtful feedback.

The atmosphere was almost indescribable. The focus wasn’t about winning and competing, it was about giving everyone a chance to have a go, building up their confidence and self-belief, and recognising their contribution to the game. Quite simply, I was blown away. It seemed entirely fitting that the words ‘Amazing’ jump out from the front of the football shirts, because theses girls, and the supporters around them, really are utterly amazing.

I’m looking forward to following their progress throughout the year and attending many more games and tournaments. Good luck girls – I hope you have a brilliant season!