Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No18 2021-22

New Futsal League for Hampshire

Hampshire FA are excited to announce the creation of a new female Futsal league that will be
commencing early February.
The basis of this league will feature two mini leagues: one for north Hampshire that will
be based in Basingstoke and the second for south Hampshire that will be based in Eastleigh. The
top two teams from each of these leagues will then compete in two semi-finals and then one final
to decide the overall Hampshire champions. Trained FA referees will be officiating these games
to ensure our top standards are sustained.
Teams will be playing once a month to make it casual and low-commitment for all players.
e are looking to add more teams in both mini leagues before the start of the season in February.
The cost involved is £20 per team, per game.
If you are interested in entering a team, please contact: Sam.Bennett@HampshireFA.com
for more information. The deadline for initial entry is 1st February 2022.
Touchline Mums part of Euros legacy

Touchline Mums is a programme for mothers and guardians of youth players to play football,
including those who would otherwise be waiting for their children at training. The sessions are
inclusive, fun and welcoming with no fitness or football experience required to participate.
The programme aims to break down barriers to participation for the target audience,
including childcare and time as sessions take place concurrently to youth sessions, lack of fitness
with sessions designed and actively promoted to these individuals and lack of confidence with
providing a supportive environment and encouraging team bonding.
Touchline Mums sessions are running in Milton Keynes and activities can be adapted to
the needs of participants with opportunities to develop skills and fitness slowly over the weeks.
The intended impact of the programme is underpinned by three fundamental elements:
Physical: Increase physical fitness and health through football
Mental: Improve mental health through getting outside, active and providing a space to
escape from everyday stresses of being a parent/guardian and general life in a no pressure
environment.
Social: Meet and have fun with other mums/guardians in a safe space where they feel like
they belong, with no judgement where the main aim is to get active and have fun.
Personal Development: Offer opportunities to lead sessions, develop
coaching/refereeing skills, if desired
Development of the Game: Extending participation in the game, overcoming barriers,
increasing visibility of the women’s game and creating new leaders and volunteers.
Ashleigh, a participant of the Milton Keynes Touchline Mums sessions, found that her
confidence improved over the first 10 weeks of taking part. From the mid-way point, she did not
miss a session and found her fitness levels increasing. Ashleigh described her only exercise
previous was ‘chasing after her children’ and lacked confidence to participate in structured
exercise and new situations could trigger her anxiety.
After participating in her first block of Touchline Mums, Ashleigh joined the over 30s
team in the 6-v-6 recreational summer league and played 3 matches competitively. Furthermore,
she attended the over 30s women’s festival and thrived in a side with new teammates, with the
team placing second in the competition!
Ashleigh said: “Joining Touchline Mums has been massive for me as social events and new
situations can trigger my anxiety. Ellie (Women’s Participation Officer for MK Dons Sports and
Education Trust) has really made me feel at ease and I’ve been able to fall back in love with the
game again.
“My fitness levels improved each week and I’m enjoying some ‘me’ time. It’s making me
think about picking up my boots properly again and getting back on the pitch competitively. I
also now feel more confident trying new social situations.”
Issue no. 18 - 20 January 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk