Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Gravesend's Punjab United FC hope to grow their women's football team after England Lionesses' record-breaking win against Norway

A football club which strives to promote equality in sport is bracing itself for a surge in interest in girls' football following England's Lionesses' success at Euro 2022.

Punjab United FC hosted its very first girls' football festival in May at their home ground, the Steven Cook Stadium in Dunkirk Close, Gravesend.

After establishing its first girls' team, Punjab United is hoping to launch many more and those behind the club expect to see a rise in interest after the England Lionesses' 8-0 triumph against Norway on Monday.

The Gravesend festival saw four under 12s Kent-based teams take part in a number of 11-a-side matches.

The aim of the day was to encourage and show that girls play football too, says management committee member and head of youth development Raj Dhesi.

Raj said: “This is our first girls' football team and as a club we’ve tried to push it.

“Our objective was to get the first team started and make people aware that Punjab United have a girls' team.”

Punjab FC first women's football festival
Punjab FC first women's football festival

This year the club – which says it is open to members and players "regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation or ability" – is hoping to expand and have the same number of women's teams of all ages as they do men's, which stands at 11.

Raj says he had been disappointed by the lack of attention to female sports, and this is what spurred Punjab United FC to host the girls' football festival.

It gave youngsters the opportunity to play on the main ground to gain some experience.

Punjab United came runners-up on the day and all players received a medal.

After setting up the team two years ago, the club has seen more girls join. Raj said: “It’s going to be a slow process but we hope to start up four or five girls' teams in the future.”

England's Alessia Russo is inspiring others. Picture: PA
England's Alessia Russo is inspiring others. Picture: PA

The Lionesses' record-breaking win against Norway has made Raj hopeful that desire for girls to join a team will now come sooner rather than later.

He said: “We can see small steps and more people are interested.”

And the fact that one of the Lionesses is from Kent should all help raise greater awareness. Alessia Russo, from Maidstone, was one of those who scored as England thrashed Norway to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Euros.

She's already proving an inspiration to others, having shared her advice ahead of the tournament. She has previously scored the fastest hat-trick in England Lionesses' history and finished top scorer for Manchester United in the Women’s Super League.

Football Development Officer for Kent FA Rebecca Moore said: "The growth in popularity for women's football has come from increased access because you are starting to see more players and coaches in so many different roles.

Liv Whitlock (in red and black) playing for Sittingbourne Ladies against Crayford Arrows Red U9. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Liv Whitlock (in red and black) playing for Sittingbourne Ladies against Crayford Arrows Red U9. Picture: Barry Goodwin

"This has triggered more clubs and organisations to then follow the trend."

Lauren Whitlock's daughter Liv, nine, took up playing football a year ago and plays for Sittingbourne Ladies FC.

She also trains at the Gillingham Ladies Player Pathway Training Centre.

Lauren said: "My older son has always played [football] but until last year Liv showed zero interest.

"Now, she has taken to the sport in a way we never anticipated and it has opened up a new world for her."

Liv Whitlock loves playing football. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Liv Whitlock loves playing football. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Lauren also said that the opportunities for girls in sports are growing and Liv is now playing competitive matches against girls, and sometimes boys.

She said: "We've travelled across the south east with her teams this summer and none of this is what we envisaged when we dropped her at a football field 12 months ago."

For Punjab United FC, they hope to have a bigger festival next year and invite bigger clubs to join.

The England Lionesses are back in action at the Women's Euros tomorrow (Friday) at 8pm when they take on Northern Ireland.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More