EmpowerHer-Shaping Community Thru Women's Football

Who are we?

Barnes Football Club (est.1862 by Ebenezer Cobb Morley, first FA Secretary) is a founding member of the FA and first ever FA Cup participant. After thirty years of dormant status, we re-established the old football club in 2021 and successfully completed our first crowdfunding for that cause. Since then, our main achievements were the following:

• Grassroots Club of the Year 2023 by Surrey FA
• 1-Star Accredited Football Club Badge
• Free Football for Youth Project for supporting vulnerable families
• Regular community events and local presence
• Opened a club house in summer 2022
• Secured mid table in our last two seasons within Step 8 of English men adult football
• Successfully run in average three youth mixed teams of different age groups

Why are we crowdfunding?

The EmpowerHer initiative aims to establish a vibrant and inclusive women's football team within the local community. This project not only addresses the growing demand for women's football but also serves as a catalyst for community recovery post-pandemic. By providing opportunities for women of all backgrounds to engage in sports, we aim to foster a sense of unity, resilience, and empowerment within the community. 

There are a lack of women's adult football teams in Barnes and surrounding districts and we have listened feedbacks from our community in the past two years seeking for modern grassroots women's football team with the right facilities and standard for playing counties level of competition. As a non-for-profit organization run by volunteers, and in the period of expensive rentals in central London and increased running costs, we have a lack of funds to cover all aspects of the project - we need a support from the community to run Barnes FC Dames on a sustainable grounds!

How we’ll spend the money raised

Our remaining budgeted costs for adult women's team for season 2024/25, after deduction for expected player subscriptions that will be used for financing annual rent for training pitches, are £7,260. This amount covers the following costs: annual pitch rentals for home league, cup and friendly matches (50%) , home and away kits and trainers (28%) and remaining 22% for administration and equipment costs (referee costs, balls and other training equipment, first aid kit, league fees, insurance, marketing costs).

Objectives:

• To establish a sustainable women's football team that competes at local and regional levels (entry point is Tier 7 of English Women Football within South East Counties Women Football League)
• To provide accessible and affordable football training sessions for women of all background and skill levels.
• To promote physical and mental well-being among participants through regular exercise and team camaraderie, addressing the post-pandemic recovery.
• To engage with local businesses, schools and universities, and community organizations to garner support and resources for the initiative.
• To create a safe and inclusive environment where women feel empowered to pursue their passion for football.

Project Activities:

Recruitment and Outreach:

• Conduct outreach programs in schools, universities, community centers, and online platforms to attract women interested in football.
• Organize informational sessions and recruitment drives to introduce the initiative to potential participants.
• Collaborate with local sports clubs and organizations to reach a wider audience.

Training Sessions:

• Schedule regular training sessions led by the FA qualified coaches to develop participants' football skills and fitness levels.
• Offer specialized training programs for different skill levels and backgrounds to ensure inclusivity.
• Emphasize the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship during training sessions.

Community Engagement:

• Organize friendly matches and tournaments to showcase the team's progress and foster community involvement.
• Collaborate with local businesses to sponsor team kits, equipment, and venue rentals.
• Partner with schools and universities to introduce football as part of their physical education curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Promotion and Awareness:

• Launch social media campaigns and community events to raise awareness about women's football and the EmpowerHer initiative.
• Share success stories and testimonials from participants to inspire others to join the team.
• Utilize local media outlets to publicize the initiative and its impact on the community.

Post-Pandemic Recovery Focus:

According to the UK Household Longitudinal Survey, women’s mental health deteriorated almost twice as much as men’s during the lockdown, due to difference in caring responsibilities and social tendencies. There is also a lack of physical activity, time dedicated to social events, and unfortunately economic impact in post-pandemic period. Our actions will be to offer healthy sporting activities, clubhouse socials and community events, safety and sense of belonging, and to identify the need for extra support:

• Offer support and resources to help participants cope with the lingering effects of the pandemic, including mental health services
• Organize community events focused on rebuilding social connections and resilience through sports.
• Collaborate with local health authorities to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines during all activities.
• Provide all safeguarding measures in line with the club’s welfare and safeguarding policy for adults and youth, adopted in accordance with the FA Safeguarding Guidelines.

Evaluation:

• Monitor participation rates and retention levels to assess the initiative's impact on women's involvement in football.
• Conduct surveys and feedback sessions to gather input from participants and stakeholders for continuous improvement.
• Track the team's performance in local leagues and tournaments to measure progress and success.
• Assess the initiative's contribution to community recovery by analyzing its social, economic, and health-related outcomes.

Women's Team Entry Point and Facilities

Barnes FC Dames will play South East Counties Women's Football League, Surrey Division 1 which is 7th tier of Women English league system and one tier away from Women's FA Cup.

Trainings and matches will be played at Quintin Hogg River Pitches, a FIFA approved 3G pitch with floodlights and score board, 500 capacity (80 seaters), new changing rooms, hospitality area. These facilities satisfy not just current league requirements, but couple of upper leagues demands. 

Interested women players can already sign up on our club's website, trials will be held in June and July 2024 - dates to be announced soon!

Conclusion: 

The EmpowerHer Initiative strives to create a lasting legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and community resilience through women's football. By harnessing the collective enthusiasm and energy of participants, supporters, and partners, we aim to build a stronger, healthier, and more cohesive community for generations to come. Football is more than just a game—it's a platform for empowerment, teamwork, and personal growth.

By joining our fundraising campaign, you're not just contributing to the creation of a football team; you're investing in the empowerment of women. You're providing opportunities for athletes to develop their skills, build confidence, and foster lifelong friendships. You're breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive sporting community.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. It's not just about the funds; it's about the belief that together, we can make a profound impact. 

So, will you join us? Will you stand with us as we embark on this exhilarating adventure? Together, let's champion women's football and create a legacy that transcends the boundaries of the pitch. Together, let's empower women to write their own stories of triumph and resilience.

Thank you for believing in the power of sport and the potential of women. Together, we can kick off a new era of equality and opportunity in football in Barnes and surrounding districts!

Let's make history, one goal at a time! Come on you Barnes!

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Club's website: www.barnesfootballclub.co.uk

Match videos and facilities: https://www.youtube.com/@barnesfc