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Women's Football News

Women united in female sevens event

Women's Football News 16 Jan 2009

Standards of female beginners' football continue to rise in Essex's London Boroughs following the second meeting of the Ladies Sevens Competition at the Fairlop Oak Powerleague, as exhibited by new team Women United who scooped victory in the monthly contest as well as claiming the Fair Play prize.

Over the past year, the Essex County FA have set up and supported various female taster sessions in the area, which remain ongoing in both Havering and Newham, the idea being to provide adults with a flexible format which originally comprised of weekly training sessions and one-off friendlies. A new venue in Chingford has also been set up in a bid to further enhance participation figures as the E.C.F.A. was delighted to follow-up the success the first installment of the Women's Sevens League with a second event.

Seven teams have signed up to the League, which is running over a six month period and includes competitive monthly events. All teams that participate receive the added bonus of a free Umbro playing and training kit, with the sides made up of females who are either new to the game or who are coming back into it. Teams play each other monthly in a 'round robin' format and all points earned are carried over to the following month. The team that generates the most points after the six events will be crowned champions, though a mini final is also scheduled at the end of each meeting for the top two placed sides, to keep players engaged throughout.

Cold weather and the Christmas holidays meant December's event was a slightly smaller affair than the previous month with only five teams taking part, but the football was as good as ever and all participating teams showed a significant improvement. The final was played between past winners Flanders Ladies and Newham's Women United, ending with a 1-0 victory to United. The team were also winners of the event's Fair Play Prize, which was presented by the female officials who covered the games.

ECFA Girls' & Women's Development Officer Sharon Brownlie, summarised: "This league has been set-up to support the work we are doing around the County through our female 'Get Back Into' Sessions, which act as an outlet for the females to play football in a competitive environment. We are extremely excited to have seven teams in the league and look forward to welcoming others as and when they are created."

Sharon is still seeking interested females looking to take part in the fun, as well as volunteers or coaches who would benefit from getting involved in helping to support and deliver current and upcoming sessions. Further information can be gathered on (01245) 393074 or via e-mail at sharon.brownlie@essexfa.com.