As UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 comes to England this summer, now is an ideal time to become a local Weetabix Wildcats provider according to Essex County FA Development Officer, Emma Burden, with the application window closing imminently for 2021/22.

Weetabix Wildcats is non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age. Most importantly, Weetabix Wildcats is all about having fun and meeting new friends. The window to apply to become a new provider closes on Monday 31st January, and Emma is keen to get further quality applications in.

She said: “Last year, The FA announced Weetabix as the new sponsors… which was huge! They promoted the programme on their cereal boxes, so parents looking for football opportunities for girls could find their nearest provider just by putting in their postcode. That’s why it’s so important that providers use the FA Events Platform and make sure all their details are up-to-date.”

“Unlike in previous years, we haven’t been allocated a huge amount of licenses, so it’s important to read through the guidance thoroughly to have a full understanding of what the programme entails. We’d like to thank everyone involved in new and existing Wildcats projects, which really are supporting the growth in the foundations of the female game.”

The programme is key in giving the girls a positive start in football but also ensuring opportunities are localised and accessible to all. Emma is inviting local females to get into football: “Are you a girl and you think you might want to give football a try? Weetabix Wildcats sessions are just for you! It’s a great time to get involved in the game!”

“We have the Women’s Euros taking place in England this summer. This can inspire new Wildcats, as sessions are targeted at ‘the beginner girl’ aged 5-11 who is just starting out on her football journey. They feature fun games which introduce girls to playing with a football. These include anything from tag, ABC and invasion games involving a ball to mini matches.”

“Most invasion games within sessions link into a theme such as a movie like The Incredibles, Moana, Minions, Peter Rabbit or female superheroes to capture the girls’ imaginations. The Wildcats sessions in the county have been successful so far. This month alone two Essex providers were awarded Weetabix Wildcats ‘Provider of the Month’ at Tigers and Hatfield Peverel.”

“This demonstrates the great sessions which are on offer in the county. I think, since the lockdowns when we were stuck inside and sport was put on hold, there has been an increase in the number of girls attending sessions. There has never been a better time to get involved.”

The guidance document for potential new providers, plus the link to apply to become a provider, can be accessed here or via the guidance document below. You can also use this link and enter your postcode to find your local Weetabix Wildcats provider. If you have any issues with your application, a short ‘How To’ brochure explaining how to use the FA Events Platform can be found here.

Group Tickets to UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Now Available!

Tournament year is upon us and, to celebrate, groups can access an exciting opportunity to secure their tickets to UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in England this summer ahead of general sale. The offer is open to all groups looking to attend the tournament from schools, colleges and universities to sports clubs, businesses and other community groups.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and start from just £5 for concessions (under 16s) and £10 for adults plus, for every nine concession tickets sold, an adult goes free. This exclusive window is open until 3:00pm on Tuesday 8th February. To secure your tickets, simply enter the code ‘GROUP’ via this booking link.