In the build-up to this weekend’s Her Game Too fixture against Grimsby Town, two Walsall Women players attended the Foundation’s Wildcats sessions to surprise Saturday’s Community Mascot.
Gurj Woodhurst and Rhiannon Bate visited the ‘Wildcats’ after-school club at Caldmore Primary School, with a special treat for one of the girls.
9-year-old Faiza, who rarely misses a session with Walsall FC Foundation coaches at the school, was presented with a full home kit and will be the Walsall FC Foundation’s Community Mascot this weekend.
“It’s always great to be involved in grassroots football and help inspire the next generation of young girls”, said Bate.
“The session was fantastic, and we saw plenty of talent, which is really promising for the future of women’s football.”
Woodhurst added: “It’s so important that girls have these opportunities now, especially as there wasn’t much available when we were younger. It’s amazing to see how much the women’s and girls’ game has grown.”
Wildcats sessions provide a platform for girls aged 5-11 to participate in fun-based football activities, with the two women’s first-team players getting involved in the action on the school playground.
Walsall FC Foundation work with a number of female participants across the charity’s education, engagement, sport and health sessions each week. This includes bespoke girls-only sessions operating alongside other mixed activities.
Marc Wilkes, Sport Manager at Walsall FC Foundation explains: “Within both the Club and Foundation, we’re committed to growing our women and girls provision.
“Whether that is improving the women’s first-team, growth of our junior section from U11s to U18s, or offering more options for girls to play in sessions across Walsall, we want to provide opportunities for all ages.
“Wildcats is a great initiative to get girls of all abilities more involved in football and start their journey with us. It could lead to engagement with our junior teams at a higher level, or simply girls playing more and enjoying sport with their friends.”
“We’re really grateful to Gurj and Rhiannon for taking the time to visit the girls at Caldmore. It’s so important for them to have positive female role models and we’re really proud of our Walsall Women team.”
Woodhurst and Bate are now looking forward to Walsall Women’s latest match at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, on Friday 14th March, 7.30pm kickoff, as they host Lichfield City.
Walsall Women last played in the stadium back in October, claiming a 4-0 victory over Gornal Athletic in the Birmingham FA Women’s Challenge Vase.
Bate said: “The whole team is really excited for another opportunity to play at such a fantastic stadium and represent Walsall on home turf.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game against Lichfield, but we’re working hard in training and beyond to secure another win. Hopefully, we’ll see just as many fans as last time!”
Tickets are still available for the match on 14th March. To purchase tickets, call 01922 651 416, or visit the Walsall FC e-ticketing site.
