Girls' football academy kicks off in Harrogate

A sporting community interest company has launched a free football academy in Harrogate to help young girls build skills, confidence and friendships.

The Sporting Influence Foundation CIC is running the weekly Girls’ Football Academy at Ashville Sports Centre during term times until Easter 2027.

The programme aims to support around 50 local girls in a girls-only environment, helping them develop footballing ability, improve fitness and gain confidence through sport.

Founded in 2020, The Sporting Influence Foundation grew out of Harrogate firm Sporting Influence, which uses sport to develop social skills in schools and runs school holiday activity camps.

A £1950 grant from the Banks Group’s community fund has covered kit costs for the coming year, ensuring there are no financial barriers to taking part.

Each participant receives branded kit to help create a team identity and strengthen the sense of belonging within the group.

The foundation will also support girls who want to progress into local grassroots football clubs.

Sporting Influence Foundation director Chris Doey said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to experience the joy, confidence and well-being that sport can bring and run a wide range of different activities to help provide these opportunities. 

“The Girls’ Football Academy aims to improve confidence, physical literacy, resilience and teamwork in an inclusive, welcoming environment and to support players’ long-term engagement in football by building links with local clubs that they can go on to join if they want to.

“We’ve got 22 girls taking part in the summer term sessions, with more spaces opening up in the autumn, and we’ve seen an immediate impact on the skills that they’re developing and, more importantly, in the new friendships that they take with them off it.

“Giving them their own kit makes a real difference in building team identity and making everyone feel like they’re part of something special.

“The support we’ve had from the Banks Group for this project has removed the financial barrier to participation that might have stopped some of our players taking part and we’re really grateful for their support.”

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at County Durham-based Banks Group, whose community funds are independently managed by Point North, added: “The Sporting Influence Foundation opens up so many opportunities for local young people that might not otherwise have come their way.

“This is a brilliant chance for local girls to give football a try while also making new friendships, developing their fitness and building their self-confidence.”

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