Watch: Meet the Birmingham women footballers who enjoy a kick about just for fun

Ladies Football 4 Fun has a growing membership, and meets three times a week for training sessions and games, growing in popularity since its launch, and providing a much-needed outlet for women who want to play football recreationally, without the commitment of a competitive team. The club has also partnered with Solihull Moors to help develop the sessions and provide kit.

The club’s members have found that it’s a great way to meet new people, get exercise, and improve their mental health. The club provides an inclusive and fun environment for all women to enjoy playing football. Those wanting to get involved can find them on social media.

Melissa, co-founder off Ladies Football 4 Fun, says: “So obviously the women won the Euros and it was fantastic, and there was a real buzz, and Helen was looking for an over 35s league - she won’t mind me saying that! And she put a post on social media and there wasn’t anything, there was nothing, there was nothing to give her for that. I’ve been looking for something a bit recreational for a long time, which again, I’ve been struggling to find. So I just messaged her, and we got talking and that’s basically how it was born.”

Maggie, a club member, says: “The brilliant thing about the Ladies Football 4 Fun, it’s as its says in the title. It’s football for fun. It’s on a recreational level. There’s no age barriers, no experience barriers with regards to football. It’s having a kickabout and enjoying it.”

“So it provides a fun, safe environment for us. And also, there’s the physical benefits because we’re getting exercise. And obviously the mental health benefits as well. Because not only is it a case of playing football and being sociable, we’ve come out of a pandemic, we’ve been in lockdown. We’re acclimatising back to wherever our perception of normality is.”

Where is it and how to join?

The sessions take place every Tuesday - Shirley Park, Wednesday- Elmdon Nature Park, and Thursday- HillFields Park - Monkspath from 7pm. You can contact them on social media or email them at ladiesfootballfun@gmail to join.

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