Girls’ football has never been more exciting. With the Lionesses inspiring a new generation and grassroots participation on the rise, it’s been an exciting time to launch our football after-school clubs tailored specifically for girls.
But what does it take to get these clubs off the ground and running smoothly every week? Let us take you behind the scenes at what goes into planning a successful girls’ football club – and why it’s worth every bit of effort.
Starting with Purpose
It all begins with a clear goal: to create a safe, supportive space where girls can enjoy football, develop their skills, and grow in confidence – whether they’re already footy-mad or trying it for the first time.
We think carefully about how to make the club appealing. It’s not just about drills and matches – it’s about fun, friendship, and making sure every girl feels welcome.
Building the Right Team
A great club starts with great coaches. We think it’s important to support female coaches who understand how to engage and inspire young girls. Having positive role models can make a huge difference in helping girls see that football is truly for everyone.
Promoting the Club
To make sure the club reaches as many girls as possible, promotion matters. We use school newsletters and our own Sport Sister Community newsletter to spread the word.
We’ve also partnered with our local Barclays WSL club, London City Lionesses, to run assemblies for the students. The club even brings the Barclays Women’s Championship trophy to help people excited about the new club and hopefully encourage them to go and watch a London City Lionesses match.
Planning Sessions with Purpose
Each session is carefully planned to balance skill-building with play. Coaches design activities that build core football skills – dribbling, passing, shooting – while also encouraging teamwork and communication.
Sessions might include small-sided games, fun challenges, or mixed-ability team tasks. Importantly, they’re adapted to suit different experience levels, ensuring no one feels left out or left behind.
Overcoming Barriers
We work hard to keep participation costs down to a minimum, with fees of just £3 per session per child or £1 if the child receives free school meals. Many of the schools we work with choose to cover this cost rather than pass it on to parents.
We also aim to close the gap between participation in school to playing for a local club, so we develop links with local grassroots clubs to make that transition as easy as possible.
Creating a Positive Culture
One of the most powerful aspects of a girls’ football club is the culture it creates. Coaches actively foster an environment where girls cheer each other on, celebrate small wins, and support each other through mistakes.
It’s about more than sport – it’s about confidence, leadership, and friendship. We want the girls to feel seen, capable, and proud of what they can do.
Seeing the Impact
The real reward comes not just in goals scored, but in smiles, high-fives, and the sound of laughter on the pitch. Girls who once stood on the sidelines now take centre stage. Shy pupils become team leaders. And girls who didn’t think football was “for them” suddenly can’t wait for Tuesday after school.
Behind every successful girls’ football after-school club is a team of passionate organisers, coaches, and school staff who believe in the power of sport to uplift and empower.
At Sport Sister Community, we celebrate these efforts – because when girls are given the space to play, grow, and lead, everyone wins.
