Witney News - Mums on the ball with football lessons

Mums on the ball with football lessons

Mums in West Oxfordshire can take advantage of free childcare while enjoying a kick-about thanks to a new initiative supported by one of the county’s top female coaches.

FA coach Vicky Bonham is leading the football classes that encourage mums to take their first steps back into exercise after an absence through various reasons including family commitments.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for mothers with young children to get back into physical exercise with others in a similar situation and with the support of professionals.

“West Oxfordshire District Council is dedicated to providing activities for all sectors of the community and identified this particular group as one that often gets overlooked. We understand that childcare can be an issue for some mums so by offering free childcare, we hope to solve that dilemma.”

Vicky Bonham said: “The Active Women project is a fantastic way to get more women involved in sport and with the London 2012 Olympics just round the corner what better way to take part in physical activity.

“Football sessions in Witney will provide women of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn new skills, increase fitness in a fun environment with the added bonus of a crèche facility. This initiative is also a great way to build women’s confidence and offer an alternative to competitive football.

The project is funded by Oxfordshire Sports partnership and being delivered by Nexus Community Team, in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council.

They are also launching a series of other exercise activities including badminton, tennis and netball.

Football classes run from Wednesday 21 March at the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney from 1-2pm and cost £3 per session.

For further information or to book a place on the course please visit: www.westoxon.gov.uk or contact Sean Christie on 01993 861564 email [email protected]