Sleaford Town's Squad Girls session has been awarded the National FA's Session of the Year, celebrating its dedication to introducing and inspiring girls to take up the sport.

The weekly session, held every Wednesday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Better Gym in Sleaford, has gained recognition for its positive impact on over 20 regular participants. Beyond football, the session helps young girls build social skills in a fun and inclusive environment.

To mark this incredible achievement, Nick Hanson, CEO of Lincolnshire FA, and Kirsty Dixon, Women and Girls Pathway Lead, attended the session to present the award and prizes.

A Coach's Dedication

Suzy Stephens, who delivers the sessions, expressed her pride at receiving the award:

“I am really proud for us to win this award. So much hard work has gone into this over the last three years.

“People come to socialise, meet new friends, and enjoy a kickabout at the same time. I am so proud that a small town like Sleaford has so many girls turning up every week, and hopefully, we can keep making the small differences.”

Players Celebrate Success

Gracie and Isabella, two enthusiastic participants in the session, praised Suzy for her inspiring leadership:

“It is a great feeling to win the award, but this is not possible without our coach. She inspires us and makes us the people we are today.”

Lincolnshire FA’s Support

Nick Hanson, CEO of Lincolnshire FA, shared his excitement for the session's success:

“I am really proud of Sleaford Squad Girls for winning the award and seeing these sessions taking place.

“It helps us achieve our strategic goals of getting more girls and women involved in football.”

Kirsty Dixon, Lincolnshire FA’s Women and Girls Pathway Lead, added:

“This is a great opportunity to get girls involved in football and make a start in their journey.

“They have been running for a few years and it has been going really well. I’m really proud of them for winning this award.”

About "Session of the Season"

The "Session of the Season" feature on England Football highlights exceptional football initiatives across the country, from #WeetabixWildcats and #Comets to #SquadGirls and #JustPlay. Sleaford's Squad Girls sessions are a shining example of how local programs can make a national impact.

Congratulations to Suzy Stephens and the Sleaford Squad Girls for this well-deserved recognition!

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