15 Furness schools awarded plaques for equal access to girls’ football

More than a dozen local schools will be receiving a plaque to mark their achievement of providing equal access to girls’ football over the last academic year.

There are 15 schools, including two secondary schools and 13 primary schools, which have been taking part in the Barclays Girls Football School Partnership.

The nationwide scheme aims to mainstream football in schools for girls across both primary and secondary schools, through the curriculum and extra-curricular provision.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Dalton-In-Furness (Image: Mrs Bernadette Charnley) Hannah Paling, who runs HP Activities in Ulverston, is also the Barclays Girls Football School Partnerships strategic lead for the Furness area.

Hannah said: “Our aim is to work with schools and teachers to help and encourage them to provide equal access and equal opportunity for girls to play football in school.

“Most schools across the Furness area are getting involved in this programme and there is definitely a much higher number of girls playing football both in and out of school time. It's important to continue pushing this as we are still a bit away from achieving equal access fully."

Six Barrow primary schools made the list including Greengate Junior School, Victoria Academy, Yarlside Academy, St Pius X Catholic Primary School, St George's CofE School and St James' CofE Junior School.

Ireleth St Peter's CofE Primary School in Askam has earned a plaque as well as Low Furness CofE Primary School in Great Urswick and Penny Bridge CofE School at Greenodd.

Four schools in Ulverston have achieved equal opportunity for girls in football including UVHS, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Pennington CofE School and Lindal and Marton Primary School.

Yarlside Academy (Image: Mrs Janine Pierce) Both Dowdales School and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School in Dalton have also

Bernadette Charnley, headteacher of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School in Dalton said: “At Our Lady's, we are passionate about inclusivity in all areas. Girls are given the same opportunities as boys across the curriculum, and in all sports.

“We have some exceptionally talented footballers. Our PE coach, Corey from Onside Sports, runs an after-school football club which is open to all children from Years 3-6.”

The Barclays investment aims to give girls the best chance to experience football in the PE curriculum, as well as the opportunity to participate, lead and compete.

Janine Pierce is the Executive Headteacher of two schools that have both been awarded the plaque, both Victoria and Yarlside Academy in Barrow.

"We are absolutely delighted that our commitment to providing equal access to girls' football has been recognised.

“We have worked hard over the years at both Yarlside and Victoria Academy to ensure that our girls' have planned coaching sessions, timetabled access to football during playtimes and take part in both competitive and fun festivals.

“At Yarlside we also invited parents and grandparents into school to join their children for a fun football session. We believe that providing these opportunities for our girls will develop a love of the sport and hopefully create a future Lioness."