Preston North End are part of a three strong shortlist in the best participation initiative award at the FA Women's Football Awards.
The three shortlisted clubs have been recognised for their dedication to increasing participation in women’s and girls’ football across the country, with the outright winner announced at the awards ceremony on 1 June.
The three nominees are as follows:
•Turn up and Play, Preston North End
•Future Fives, Bristol
•Foundation of Light Girls Talent Pathway, Tyne and Wear
Preston North End’s Turn up and Play scheme identifies communities in the local area that have little or no access to sport and provides the chance to enjoy football across all ages and backgrounds. The Preston North End Community and Education Trust works with partners to identify schools and areas that are most in need and has also gone on to offer female only sessions outside of schools, including walking football sessions. The scheme has been hugely successful in the area engaging over 1500 participants ranging from age six to 70.
Another key part of Turn up and Play’s development is the Trust’s volunteer programme which allows former members to come back as volunteers and coach participants. The Trust have recognised that many of their participants come to the sessions to socialise as well as play football and as such create an environment which is open to all. The relaxed atmosphere gives participants who may be initially apprehensive, the chance to gain confidence through football.
Thanks to ‘Turn up and Play’ there is now the opportunity for females, no matter what age, to come and play football across Preston.
The winners will be announced during the FA Women's Awards this Friday where the very best of women's football will be celebrated.