Opportunities for girls’ at grassroots level has transformed in recent years. Today, thousands of girls are finding confidence, community, and career pathways through football.
Here’s a snapshot of standout programmes leading that change – covering every level, from first kicks to future stars – plus how to sign up, show up, and get involved.
England football (Ages 5+) | Nationwide
England Football is the FA’s official grassroots platform offering a wide range of programmes to help girls get into football, whatever their age or ability. From Weetabix Wildcats and Squad Girls (details below), to Just Play casual sessions and Talent Pathways for more advanced players, England Football connects girls with fun, local sessions that meet them where they are.
Costs: Free to £3.50 per session
Snapshot:
- The FA’s official platform for girls’ grassroots football across England
- Programmes include Weetabix Wildcats (5–11), Squad Girls (12–14), Just Play (14+), and more
- Find local sessions by age, ability, and location with the postcode search tool
- Delivered via trusted local providers – clubs, schools, charities, and councils
- All sessions focus on fun, safety, and inclusion, with clear pathways into clubs or talent centres
- Ideal starting point for beginners or returning players
Find out more/sign up: here
Weetabix Wildcats (Ages 5–11) | Nationwide
Weetabix Wildcats is a national FA programme introducing girls to football through fun, non-competitive sessions led by qualified coaches. It’s designed to build confidence and friendships in a pressure-free, girls-only environment.
Cost: £3 per session or free taster
Snapshot:
- Fun, low-pressure intro to football for girls aged 5–11
- 1,600+ centres across England
- Run by FA-trained coaches; no trials, no egos – just fun
- 81% of parents say their daughter’s confidence soared
- Perfect entry point for girls new to sport or shy about trying
Find out more/sign up: here
Squad Girls’ Football (Ages 12–14) | Nationwide
Squad Girls is another FA initiative for girls aged 12–14, created to keep them playing during the critical drop-off years. It offers flexible, low-commitment football with a focus on fun, friendship, and staying active.
Cost: £3.50 per session but can differ by location
Snapshot:
- 16-week blocks of drop-in, non-competitive sessions
- Designed for girls juggling school, stress, and screens
- Focus on social connection, fun themes, and flexibility
- 20,000+ girls joined Kicks or Squad sessions in 2023
Find out more/sign up: here
Girls’ football in schools (Primary & secondary schools) | Nationwide
This school-based programme designed to give every girl equal access to football in PE and after-school clubs. Backed by Barclays and the Youth Sport Trust, it provides schools with all the training and tools to run effective sessions themselves.
Cost: Free via schools
- Barclays-funded programme pushing for equal access in schools
- Provides schools with all the tools to run effective sessions
- 85% of primary schools now offer football to girls (up from 40%)
- Disney-inspired “Shooting Stars” for 5–8s in PE
- Lionesses back the campaign, adding national momentum
Find out more/sign up: here
Premier League Kicks (Ages 8–18) | Nationwide via 93 professional clubs
Premier League Kicks offers free football in local communities, with clubs running dedicated girls-only sessions for ages 8–18. The programme is designed to create opportunities for young people who are at risk of anti-social behaviour, youth violence and/or from high-need areas to regularly engage in football, sport, mentoring and personal development opportunities.
Cost: Free
- Free evening/weekend kickabouts in local parks and schools
- Provides pathways into education, training, and employment
- Girls-only sessions now standard at clubs like Arsenal & Liverpool
- U16 Kicks Cup now includes a dedicated girls’ tournament
- Role models like WSL players visit sessions
- 550,000+ kids have already benefited
Find out more/sign up: here
Football Beyond Borders (Year 8+) | Nationwide
FBB runs in-school programmes that combine football with emotional learning and therapeutic mentoring to improve self confidence and raise aspirations. It uses the power of the game to re-engage students academically and socially.
Cost: Free via schools
- Weekly school sessions blending football + life skills
- Focus on emotional well-being, identity, and sisterhood
- 95% of at-risk students in the programme finished the school year in 2022
- Wrap-around support includes mentoring, workshops, and trips
Find out more/sign up: here
Bloomsbury Football (All ages) | Greater London
Bloomsbury Football is a London-wide charity committed to equal access to football for all youth, with a growing focus on girls. It offers affordable, high-quality coaching for players of all levels – from grassroots to elite.
Cost: £62.50 per month for weekly sessions, but offer discounts of 25-100% for low-income households
- One of London’s biggest providers – 1,500+ girls weekly
- 60% of players receive 80 – 100% bursaries
- Weekly sessions, competitive teams, futsal, camps, and coaching pathways
- Disability programme
- Refugee and asylum seeker programme
Find out more/sign up: here
If there are any initiatives we’ve missed and is deserving of our list, contact us at michael@verta.uk and we will add.
