Hailsham Town Council is supporting the launch of new girls’ football sessions at the James West Community Centre in Brunel Drive, providing a new local opportunity for young girls to get involved in football, develop their skills and enjoy being active in a welcoming community environment.
The new sessions take place every Thursday from 5pm to 6pm during term time in the main hall at the James West Community Centre. The group is open to girls aged 5-11, whether they already play football or are completely new to the sport.
The sessions are being organised by local footballer and coach Emma Parrant, in partnership with Kick-Off Coaching, and are designed to give young players the opportunity to enjoy football, build confidence, develop their skills and, most importantly, have fun.
The Town Council is providing the James West Community Centre as the venue for the sessions as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local community activities and expanding opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport.
Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting these new girls’ football sessions at the James West Community Centre. Providing accessible opportunities for young people to take part in sport is an important part of building a healthy, active and connected community.”
“Football provides so many benefits beyond the sport itself. It can help young people develop confidence, learn new skills, make friends and become part of a team. It is particularly encouraging that these sessions are open to girls of all abilities, including those who have never played football before.”
Town Mayor Cllr Chris Bryant commented: “I’m excited to see the development of girls’ football in Hailsham. I hope the new group will grow and I encourage more young girls to discover the enjoyment of football and see sport as something that is accessible to them.”
“This also demonstrates why our wider campaign to promote women’s and girls’ sport is so important. We want to hear from residents about their experiences and ideas, so I would encourage anyone who has not yet completed our survey to take part before it closes at the end of September.”
Operations and Facilities Manager, Tony Lee added: “The James West Community Centre provides an excellent space for a wide range of community activities, and we are pleased to be able to support these new football sessions by providing the venue.”
“Making good use of our community facilities for activities that encourage young people to get involved in sport is exactly the kind of community use we want to support. We hope the sessions will prove popular and provide a welcoming environment where girls can develop their football skills, build confidence and enjoy taking part.”
The sessions are led by Emma Parrant, an experienced footballer and coach based in East Sussex.
Emma has extensive playing experience in the women’s game and has represented a number of clubs across the region, including Eastbourne Town Women FC, Ringmer AFC Ladies and Pevensey & Westham FC.
Alongside playing, Emma is highly active in grassroots football development and holds an FA Level 2 coaching qualification. Through Kick-Off Coaching, she provides football training, one-to-one sessions and girls-only development camps across Eastbourne and Wealden, with a focus on helping young players develop their skills and confidence.
Emma has also previously coached youth football, including the Wildcats girls’ programmes at Pevensey & Westham FC, and has led girls’ school football teams at Silverdale Primary Academy.
Her experience in both playing and coaching provides the new group with a strong focus on developing young players in an encouraging and supportive environment.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to bring another girls football session to the local area,” said Kick-Off Coaching’s Emma Parrant. “I’m incredibly grateful to Hailsham Town Council for getting behind it and supporting opportunities for women and girls in sport.”
“For me, grassroots football is about creating a positive and welcoming environment where girls feel comfortable to come along, have a go and, most importantly, have fun. Whether they’ve played football before or are kicking a ball for the very first time, I want them to be able to build confidence, meet new people, develop their skills and perhaps discover a real love for the game.”
“It’s about giving girls the opportunity to enjoy football, grow in confidence and feel that sport is a place where they belong.”
The new group welcomes girls whether they are already playing football or simply want to give the sport a try. All abilities are welcome.
For further information or to enquire about joining the sessions, contact Emma Parrant / Kick-Off Coaching on 07825 749565 or email football@kick-offcoaching.net.
The new football sessions coincide with the Town Council’s current campaign celebrating and promoting women’s and girls’ sport across the town.
The campaign has been highlighting local female sporting achievements, clubs, teams, coaches and volunteers, while showcasing the important role played by community facilities in helping people get active and providing opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport.
As part of the campaign, the Town Council is also seeking residents’ views through a survey looking at the future of women’s and girls’ sporting opportunities in Hailsham. The survey is open to everyone and asks about existing opportunities, facilities, potential improvements and any barriers that may prevent women and girls from taking part.
The survey closes at the end of September, and residents are encouraged to have their say before the deadline. Complete the survey online here.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk