Iona Ibises take up the challenge to promote Female Football Week

THE IONA Ibises have taken up the challenge of encouraging girls and women to join the growing sport of football.

On Saturday 16 May, they were at St Columba Anglican School, running fun activities for girls that included ball skills and games, and face painting and nail painting.

The team has also attended U17’s and U15’s football games and participated in an information session about injury prevention at training.

Iona Sports Club started in 2017.

Outgoing president Tony Judge set up the female soccer team, while coach Ben Jackson and manager Judith Jackson built a culture promoting strength and collaboration.

The club now fields two female teams.

New president, Paul Stephens, joined the club three years ago and has watched the numbers grow.

“The [Ibises] are such a keen bunch, promoting female football to younger players, and there is a real flow through the club for women’s football.

“One third of our players are female – one of the highest in the area.”

Iona Ibis team members Gemma Gore and Anita Bellamy were driving forces behind the Female Football Week celebration.

They highlighted some of the things they love about playing football, including hanging out with team mates, getting fit and having fun, learning a new skill, and being challenged.

“We really wanted young girls to come and get involved and to have fun,” Gemma said.

“When I was growing up, girls were the minority in the soccer world.

“We wanted to encourage girls [and say] ‘we see you, we hear you, we appreciate you, we want you to be known’.”

Gemma said the Female Football Week event at St Columba was a success.

“I hope this sets a precedent for our Iona Club, getting bigger and better each year as we recognise and focus on our female players during this week.”

By Pauline CAIN