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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Neil Shaw

Just Eat is investing in 101 grassroots women's football teams

Just Eat, UEFA Women’s Football partner, is launching a new initiative to encourage girls and women across the UK to pick up their boots and get on the pitch. The food delivery app is inspiring sporting talent by providing 101 grassroot teams with the ultimate starter pack, alongside expert advice from industry veterans.

The initiative comes 101 years since women’s football was banned in the UK as it was deemed ‘quite unsuitable’ for women and should not be encouraged.’ New research from Just Eat reveals one fifth of women aged 16-65 want to get involved in the sport but do not know where to start, and 90% are unaware if they even have a local women’s grassroots team.

When it comes to attracting women to the sport, meeting new people, keeping fit and experiencing a sense of camaraderie are amongst the top reasons why women are joining grassroots football teams. Yet, almost half of those surveyed say more needs to be done to help get more girls and women involved in football.

Concerns over support and lack of funding (37.5%) as well as a perception that teams are only open to those with the greatest sporting prowess were cited as the key barriers. Lack of involvement isn’t limited to playing but also coaching teams, as nearly half of women surveyed (45%) who want to get involved have not pursued coaching due to it being dominated by men.

Just Eat has partnered with England player Jordan Nobbs who will personally deliver advice to managers and coaches, ensuring that women’s teams get off to the best possible start. Jordan Nobbs, England and Arsenal footballer, said: ‘’I’m really excited to be a part of Just Eat’s 101 initiative. The women’s game has come so far in 101 years but there is still work to do to break the stigma and provide the next generation with the tools to get involved and thrive in the sport.

“Grassroots football is where many girls start their football journey, so making sure they have access to opportunities is so important. Just Eat’s 101 initiative is great as it’s helping to make this possible and most importantly, it’s showing girls and women that they don’t have to be a Lioness to roar on the pitch.’’

Matt Bushby, UK Marketing Director at Just Eat adds: ‘’While there is a huge stage for women’s football this year, we know that stronger grassroots foundations are needed in the game. As a proud sponsor of the tournament, our 101 initiative aims to inspire women and girls to get involved in football.”

No matter what background or ability level, teams can apply to be a part of Just Eat’s 101 by visiting www.justeat-101.co.uk. For anyone not currently part of a team there is also a local grassroots team finder.

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