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University becomes specialist women’s football and futsal hub

The university  has been selected to become a specialist women’s football and futsal hub in partnership with The FA and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).

BUCS chose the University for its passion and commitment to developing women and girl’s football, along with 18 other universities who will form a network as part of the University Grassroots Hubs programmu.

The university will get access to additional support in the delivery and development of our women’s offer, through both individual and networking meetings. We will be at the forefront of new initiatives and offers, getting first access to pilot projects and innovation sessions to support in the development of the game, as well as the opportunity to apply for an innovation fund.

The university’s Football Development Coordinator, Jack Costerton, has developed this programme and extended the growth of the game for students and the local community. The university is one of only a handful of institutions in the country that have both FA University Hub (Tier 1) and FA Women’s High Performance Centre status. Abbie Sadler who is employed at the university to manage the FA Women’s High Performance Football Centre has helped forge this partnership and also extend the development of the game for women in the South West.

Ben Waterhouse, Sport and Physical Activity Manager at the university, said: 

“We’re delighted to be chosen as a BUCS Women’s Football and Futsal Specialist Hub in partnership with British Universities and Colleges Sport and The FA. We are dedicated to growing both football and futsal for women and girls and to be awarded this status is a testament to our commitment in this area. This is especially exciting at a time when we’ve created new sports pitches and completed our brand new Sports Arena at our Oxstalls campus in Gloucester.”

Donna McIvor, National Participation Manager at The FA commented: 

“Congratulations to the Universities selected as Women’s Football Specialist Hubs. The FA is committed to doubling participation and making football the number one sport of choice for girls and women; Hubs play an important role in achieving this ambition. Hubs play a significant role in providing opportunities for women and girls to participate in the game as players, leaders, coaches, officials and fans both in the university itself and in their local communities. I am excited to work closing with the Specialist Hubs and BUCS over the forthcoming months to make a meaningful difference to women’s and girls’ football.” ​