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Girls' Football - Get Involved The Football Association launched a girls' football campaign in the summer to encourage more girls to take up the sport. The campaign called "Girls' Football Get Involved" centres on a local rate call number that girls can phone to find out about clubs in their area. As well as receiving lists of clubs, leagues and local County FAs they also get a pack of information. In the pack is a 16 page booklet on what's going on in women's football, postcards and posters and details on choosing the right club from the NSPCC. The hotline number is 0845 310 8555. These packs are also available to partners working with The Football Association to develop the game. Organisers can receive posters and fliers which are designed to allow local events to be included and can be obtained by contacting Tessa Hayward on 020 7745 4587. The growth of girls' football is phenomenal; in 1993 there were 80 girls teams, in 2000 there were 1,152 and figures released on Friday show figures for girls teams outside of school have reached 1,807 proving women's football is still the fastest growing sport in the country. In 1999 The FA made a commitment to make girls' football the top female sport by 2004 and the growth of girl players in only 2 years has increased by 88% to 36,000 players. Total female players has reached 55,000 only 2,000 short of the current top sport, netball, with 57,000 registered players. This has been achieved through the strategic development of the game throughout England with the use of County Development plans and Active Sport initiatives. Adam Crozier, F.A. Chief Executive said: "The figures are hugely encouraging and show how enthusiastic girls are to take up the sport. This campaign should help push further the profile of women's football and prove that football really is the national game for everyone whether male or female." Research findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine show girls of primary school age are only half as sporty as boys with this leading to a higher risk of obesity in later life. With UK Sports Trust research showing that girls' sport of choice is football, The F.A. is using the power of football to address one of the serious issues affecting girls and help get them interested in sport. Kelly Simmons, The Football Association's National Football Development Manager said; "We know girls aren't playing enough sport; we know that they want to play football, we have now got the structures in place around the country to enable girls to play the game and 'Girls Football Get Involved' will hopefully provide girls with the information they need." For further information please contact Katherine Knight, F.A. Media Relations Officer, on 020 7745 4716/07970 237082. Goalpost Safety Campaign Update Almost a year to the day from the launch of it's Goalpost Safety Campaign, The Football Association is embarking on the campaign's next phase, with a development that will impact on goalposts the length and breadth of the country. Following the deaths of nine children in accidents since 1986, F.A. Chief Executive Adam Crozier and National Goalkeeping Coach Ray Clemence launched The FA's Goalpost Safety campaign at Watford FC, in August 2000. Adam Crozier, F.A. Chief Executive said at the launch: "This campaign is vital to The FA's commitment to making safety a top priority in football at all levels. We wanted to stress to everyone involved in playing and organising football that they must play their part to ensure that such tragic accidents never happen again." During the past year, 150,000 Goalpost Safety leaflets and posters have been produced and distributed to every school and F.A. affiliated football Club around the country. The campaign has also received the backing from local MP's, Borough Councils and National Youth Associations. At Easter, the campaign gained further momentum when it received support from Arsenal and England stopper David Seaman, who has been endorsing the campaign through England, F.A. Cup Final and Charity Shield match programmes and England funzines. He said: " The issue of goalpost safety is one that I take very seriously as a goalkeeper. Under no circumstances should children use goalposts as gymnastic equipment; they are simply not designed for that. If you want to become England's Number 1, you have to defend your goal, not attack it." The brief that The FA has given to five companies is to conduct a standard test on 200 sets of goalposts across the country, which will seek to examine whether they comply to set testing standards, or represent a serious safety hazard. Every individual County FA in the country will be asked to provide details of local pitches that fall into each of three categories: Large Sites (defined as 6 pitches or more, or 4 mini soccer pitches or more), Medium Sites (defined as 3 pitches +, or 2 mini soccer pitches +), Small Sites (1 football pitch or 1 mini soccer pitch). Testing will then take place at a combination of these "sites" in each county. The core element of the test will focus on the dimensions and condition of ten different sections of the goalposts, with weight tests being used to check on the goals' stability and crossbar strength. Tests will also be carried out on the netting and on whether there are safety labels or marking on each individual set of goalposts. The selection of the companies commissioned to undertake the testing programme will be announced on September 3rd 2001, with testing due to commence a week later. It is anticipated that the programme will be completed towards the end of 2001, at which point The FA and it's Pitches and Facilities Committee will evaluate the results, in order to ascertain to what degree goalposts on the country's football pitches are in good condition, securely anchored and properly maintained. For more information on the Goalpost Safety campaign, including obtaining copies of the campaign leaflet and poster, contact The Football Association on 0207 7454704 or log on to The FA website. Join the BCFA in Supporting Macmillan's Monday 20th August 2001 The Birmingham County Football Association is calling on locals to join them on Friday 28th September for a cup of coffee in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. The BCFA are taking part in Macmillan's biggest annual fundraising event - the World's Biggest coffee Morning, sponsored by Nescafe and Kit Kat. Last year, coffee mornings all around the country raised £3 million - money which has made a real difference to cancer patients and their families. Macmillan hopes to make this year's coffee morning the best possible - and raise even more money to support cancer patients and their families. BCFA Spokesperson, Antonia Lacey said: "This is a great chance for us to help Macmillan Cancer Relief - we hope that people in the area come along and lend their support." From their Headquarters in Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, the Birmingham County FA administers football across a huge area of the West Midlands. A thriving Development Scheme strives to ensure that everyone who wants to play football can do so in a safe, fun environment - no matter what their age, sex or ability. The kettle is on between 10am and 12 noon on Friday 28th September for anyone who wishes to come along and make a donation. "It doesn't matter if you are a footie fan or not, we hope that everyone in the local area joins us," added Antonia. "You don't have to talk about football if you don't want to" but it's the perfect opportunity if you do!" For further information about the BCFA's coffee morning, call Antonia Lacey on 0121 357 4278. www.worldsbiggestcoffeemorning.org.uk Moor Green Make Sure In Extra Time BIRMINGHAM COUNTY FA SENIOR CUP FINAL Moor Green FC 3-1 Tamworth FC (after extra time) Two goals in extra time sealed victory for Moor Green in the Birmingham County Senior Cup Final last night. Their 3-1 win against Tamworth ensured the silverware returned to The Moorlands for the first time since 1958. Early attempts by Tamworth's Robert Gould and a nicely worked Craig Woodley free kick were the highlights of a scrappy start from both sides. Ex-Birmingham City striker, John Gayle did what he could with the limited service he received, connecting with a deep cross from Jae Martin, which was saved by Darren Acton in the Tamworth Goal. Gayle was then booked in the 16th minute after a clash with Robert Mutchall resulting in a lengthy stoppage whilst the full back received attention from the Lamb's Physio. Just 4 minutes later, Gayle was joined in the referee's notebook by Jai Stanley (diving). Tamworth then began to create chances of their own, stringing together some impressive play, but failing to take advantage as the first half went deep into injury time. Lee Wilson and Scott Rickards both had late efforts but saw their shots saved by Adam Rachel. The second half started brightly, with Moor Green gaining the advantage in the 54th minute when Stanley converted a close range shot in a crowded penalty area. The Tamworth resurgence almost brought a reply 6 minutes later, when David Foy forced Rachel to tip his powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area over the crossbar. The inevitable equaliser came in the 63rd minute when Lee Wilson's volley left the Moor Green 'Keeper stranded as it flew into the net. A rise in tempo led to a rise in tackles, but amongst the total of 10 bookings, both sides provided their supporters with high quality, entertaining play. Despite this, neither could complete their moves with a goal, and the game entered extra time with the score level at 1-1. It took just 3 minutes from the restart for Moor Green to find the back of the net. Martin intercepted a scuffed clearance from Acton, leaving him with only the 'keeper to beat with a solid shot. A double substitution in the 101st minute by Tamworth Boss, Gary Mills saw Rickards and Hatton replaced by Colley and Roberts in an attempt to inject new life into the side. During the second half of extra time, the Lamb's neat passing game was nowhere to be seen as their desperation to pull back a late-late equaliser showed. Not content with a one-goal advantage, Nathan Lamey replaced Jae Martin at the start of the final period. The striker who joined Moor Green from Cambridge United during the summer, made his impact just 6 minutes later - his goal leaving Tamworth with a mountain to climb in the final stages. With silverware on offer, there was no talk of Tamworth giving up - they launched a flurry of attacks on the Moor Green goal, the best falling to Nick Colley who took the ball past Adam Rachel but turned too late and saw his shot fly just wide of the left post. A jubilant Moor Green side celebrated as the final whistle blew. Their 3-1 victory had been hard fought against a talented Tamworth side. County FA Say "Thank You" to Volunteers Wednesday 1st August 2001 The Birmingham County FA took the opportunity to thank the thousands of volunteers who give their time to football clubs all over the region, presenting two local heroes with Football Workforce Awards. As Chairman of Kenilworth Town FC, Norman Stephens has transformed the club in the space of just 2 years. He was approached to run the senior side in 1999 and later became responsible for running the reserves and youth team shortly after. Norman's duties range from training to administration and even ensuring refreshments are provided on matchdays. Not content to stop there, Norman has also achieved his ambition of forming a junior section at Kenilworth Town, ensuring continuity for youngsters - right up to senior level football. His Chairman responsibilities also involve Norman in fundraising and sponsorship, with his weekly bingo sessions held at the club helping to boost funds. David Vale is Secretary of Brownhills Community Colts and has been with the club since its formation in 1976. During this time, David has helped drive the Club forward, forging new links in the area and gaining a reputation for his high standards of work. His commitment and ability was soon recognised by others, and now David is not only Secretary and Treasurer of Brownhills Community Colts, but also Team Manager and Committee Member of the Walsall Schools FA, Fixture Secretary of the Walsall Junior Youth Football League and on sub committees for Mini Soccer and the Staffordshire Girls Football League. Club Chairman, Howard Fullelove, who nominated David for a Football Workforce Award, said: "I cannot fathom out how he finds time to work full time and carry out all his voluntary duties! "David never goes on holiday for more than 4 days in a row and has a wife, two daughters, a son and a granddaughter - how does he find the time?" David and Norman received County Football Workforce Awards from BBC Radio WM's Jenny Wilkes and BCFA Chairman, Roger Wood at the BCFA Open Day, and have been put forward for a National Award. Roger Wood said: "David and Norman were nominated by their clubs and we were delighted to show our appreciation by welcoming them to County Headquarters. They are a great example of just how much hard work goes into running a team and represent thousands of people who give their time for the good of their local clubs and grassroots football." BCFA Open Day Kicks Off! Monday 23rd July 2001 Birmingham County Football Association will be holding their first ever Open Day on Sunday 29th July, offering the chance to find out more about their role in local football whilst enjoying a day of top coaching from the experts! FA Qualified Instructors will be running skills circuits throughout the day for U16s on the pitch at County HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham. As part of the session, Vesey Sports are offering a set of shirts to the best ball juggler to donate to his or her team. As one of the most vociferous Wolves Fans around, BBC Radio WM's Jenny Wilkes will also be popping along to join in the fun, to reward some of the most dedicated volunteers in local football as part of the FA's Football Workforce initiative. There will also be the opportunity to find out how the BCFA is the biggest supporter of football in the region, before seeing if you have what it takes to be a referee or getting your face painted in your favourite team's colours! For those who may be feeling the strain after a long, tough season, Dr Ralph Rogers from the Birmingham-based MOST Clinic will be holding an Open Surgery to answer queries on any sports related injury. A photography exhibition from local sports snapper, Andy Shaw, completes a great line-up, which includes something for everyone! "The event promises to be a great way to spend a Sunday," said BCFA PR Officer, Antonia Lacey. "A major part of what we do is to encourage more youngsters into the game, so the "turn up and play" coaching sessions will be a perfect opportunity for everyone to have a go, no matter what standard they are," she added. "Meanwhile, we hope that the additional activities and displays give those who aren't having fun on the pitch something to enjoy too." Admission for U16's is just £1, which includes a place on the coaching sessions running throughout the day. Accompanying adults are admitted free! |