The London Football Association has joined forces with Footy Addicts, a social platform that enables football players and enthusiasts to discover, organise and join football games, to increase the number of playing opportunities for women and girls across the capital.

Footy Addicts’ women’s programme will ensure an additional 8-10 sessions run each week, aimed specifically at women and girls over the age of 16.

Sessions are being held every Sunday at 4pm at William Tyndale Primary School, N1 and the number of sessions will increase with the development of the programme. As part of the association, the London FA will be funding ‘Facilitators’ – match hosts who organise the games, teams and ensure fair play – and providing kit and equipment for all games.

Hugh Gilroy, head of engagement and support at the London FA, said: “In London, we’re seeing the biggest participation growth amongst those playing recreational rather than affiliated football.

“With the number of people playing for the fun and social aspects of the sport increasing, and in line with our aim to double the number of women and girls playing football by 2020, partnering with Footy Addicts to offer female-only sessions will enable us to continue this growth.

“Assessing current barriers to participation for women, including turning up to play on your own in a male-dominated environment, albeit within a mixed offer, can be intimidating. By providing female-only sessions, we’re creating a more welcoming environment and hope this will dramatically improve the number of women and girls playing recreational football in the capital.”

Over a six-month period between June to December 2017 prior to its partnership with the London FA, Footy Addicts hosted 6,818 games at 187 venues across London for 10,981 players. However, the number of female participants were significantly less than male participants.

Leo Domenech, marketing executive at Footy Addicts, added: “We believe football is for everyone. Alongside our current mixed games, there was a high demand for women-only casual games and the partnership with the London FA will enable female participation to soar.

“By creating a beginner-friendly environment, it might also entice women into playing their first game of football, and that’s what we’re all about!

“We’re proud to be working with the London FA to break down current barriers to participation experienced by women by offering female-only sessions. Having the London FA on board adds real credibility to the work we’re doing to get more people playing football across the capital.”

Footy Addicts is a social platform that enables football enthusiasts to discover, organise and join games to socialise, keep fit and have fun. To play, all you need to do is register, pay for the most suitable game and get to the pitch – it’s as easy at that.

To join a female only social football match, please visit www.footyaddicts.com/football-games/women-london or for more information about the London FA and its recreational football offer, please visit: www.londonfa.com

Become a Match Facilitator

Backed by funding from the London FA, Footy Addicts are looking to recruit ‘Facilitators’ to help run the additional sessions for female only social football matches. Facilitators should be reliable, good communicators, team players and well organised individuals.

In return for hosting the matches, Facilitators can play for free or facilitate the games from the side-lines – and get paid for it.

To become a Facilitator, all you need to do is turn up at the game on time, with nice clean bibs and a ball (these will be provided by the London FA), organise the teams and make sure the game is run in good spirit.

Anyone interested in becoming a Facilitator should get in touch with Footy Addicts by emailing on info@footyaddicts.com with information about yourself and why you want to be a Facilitator.