For the first time in its history, Brent will have a district team for girls.
After hosting the England girls Under-15 trials at Capital City Academy in Willesden, there was renewed interest and enquiries from female footballers in the borough. With sponsorship from Cargiant, starting a girls’ team became a priority for Brent Schools FA chairman Chris Ampofo.
Brent are recognised as one of the most active associations in the country and the English Schools’ FA recommended applying for a Premier League grant to form a girls’ team. The application was successful and the Premier League have pledged to give Brent £1,000 towards the costs of starting a team. The lion’s share must be spent on team kit delivered by Nike.
Having championed girls’ football in Brent for many years, Minesh Randeria has agreed to manage the team. Randeria will be assisted by two coaches who supported the England trials in Brent last year, Anna Boughey and Lisa Hayhoe – the head coach of the Under-15 team at the Middlesex FA Centre of Excellence. Arsenal Ladies star and former Brent schoolgirl Rachel Yankey has also offered her support.
The team has been entered into the inaugural Under-11 girls London League. The side will be made up of year five and year six players in the borough, taking on Camden, South London and Woking in the group stages. The final will be held at West Ham United’s training ground in June.