In the last season over 147,000 players competed in affiliated league and cup competitions. In 1993 there were 10,400 players and today the sport continues to grow at a fantastic rate.
The Active People survey in 2006 highlighted that 250,000 women and 1.1 million girls play some form of football and there are 26 million females playing across the world, of which 4.1m are playing affiliated football.
Football is administered locally by 43 County FA's and The FA funds full-time football development staff in each County to deliver development programmes, with 47 specific Women’s and Girls’ Football Development Officers.
Within Devon there are over 100 girls' teams and women’s teams playing in affiliated leagues.
The County FA have recently launched a new four year strategy. As part of this strategy we aim to support and increase mini-soccer teams, 11 a side youth female teams, and 11 a side adult female teams in the county. We also aim to work closely our Centre of Excellence to provide talented players the opportunity to participate at their appropriate level.
As well as offering fantastic oppourtunities to our female players, we also aim to deliver an effective coach education programme. Within our four year plan we hope to have 280 new level 1 female coaches and 16 new level 2 female coaches.
Devon County FA is developing more opportunities for females to get involved as players, coaches or referees.
For more information on Girls' and Women's Football in Devon. Please contact our Girls' and Women's Football Development Officer - Mark Young by calling on 01626 325919 or 07973 312146, alternatively by email mark.young@devonfa.com