The growth of women’s football over recent years has been a huge motivation to aspiring girl players to pull on their shin pads, lace up their boots and get out on the 4G pitches to learn new skills, make new friends, and really learn the value of being part of a team. Treowen Stars Junior Girls FC is a grassroots football team nestled in the South Wales Valleys that provides sporting opportunities to girls across the region from age group U7’s right through to U16’s; girls with a huge range of abilities and from all kinds of backgrounds, who get together week in and week out to brave the Welsh weather and compete in the Gwent League.
The Treowen management and coaching volunteer team work tirelessly to provide excellent training for the players, not just on the pitch, but off the field too; they teach the girls about respect and communication, a sense of fair play, and most importantly, to try their hardest and be the best they can be.
Like most clubs, Treowen Stars are continually fundraising to bring in much needed money for equipment and kit that allows the girls to continue developing as players and enjoying the game they love. Earlier this year, the decision was made to remove facilitation of the regional Girls Development Centre in Gwent, which now means that there is no progression pathway in the area for talented players working toward their goal of playing at senior level. It is now especially important for grassroots clubs to find funding so that girls can continue to join the sport and have the facilities and support to develop their skills.
It is for this reason that one of our colleagues, Louise Evans of MOFS identified that the Allianz Community Sports Fund could help, and she agreed with Claire Lacey-Coles, Club Secretary of Treowen Stars Junior Girls FC, that MOFS would support an application to the fund.
Allianz is the Worldwide Insurance Partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Movements and so far, they have pledged £300,000 to the Allianz Sports Fund and have supported over 180 clubs deliver sports programmes in their communities. Allianz broker partners have the unique opportunity to nominate a sports club which is important to them for funding.
“We were over the moon that our application to the Allianz Fund was a success – the benefits that being part of the team bring to each and every one of the players cannot be underestimated. They love playing together, and to see their confidence grow as a team and as individuals first hand is really very special” said Louise. “For this funding to come at such a critical time for local young talent is fantastic. It will have a hugely positive impact on the team.”
Claire Lacey-Coles, Club Secretary for the football team said: “Our girls are delighted to have received the £3,000 Allianz grant. We are so grateful for the generous contribution to our amazing team of girls. This money will enable us to provide kit for all of our girls and buy essential equipment for training. We would like to say a big Thank You for choosing us.”
Andrew Gibbons, MD of MOFS commented “This is fantastic news! For the second year in a row we have been fortunate that a project that we have supported has been successful in being awarded a grant from the Allianz Community Sports Fund. This fund is fantastic in providing valuable funding for grass roots sport and I must thank colleagues at Allianz for continuing to support sport in this way and for choosing the projects that we have nominated.”
