The Eighth Wonder Programme will host another cohort next week offering more 14-20 year olds a unique opportunity to break into the world of football.
In partnership with the Kent County Football Association and K Sports, the programme will welcome its second batch of future female football leaders on Friday 27th October 2017.
After last year’s hugely successful event which saw over 45 girls across the county take part, another day full of development sessions and workshops is being planned.
This development day will build upon 2016’s inaugural event, enhancing participants’ skills and confidence, under the watchful eye of a host of experienced mentors from across Kent football.
The programme welcomes expressions of interest from anyone who’d like to take part. All you need to do is email [email protected] with your contact details, you’ll then receive updates as the full schedule is confirmed.
Those who sign up for the Eighth Wonder Programme receive a day of in-depth training and personal development, they will then be placed on a mentoring scheme, providing them with support and guidance to contribute to Kent’s volunteer workforce.
2016’s cohort of amazing young women, passionate about football, have already contributed an outstanding 1,043 volunteering hours to enrich the grassroots game. Some have gone on to complete referee and coaching courses. Whilst others, have had their potential nurtured and been able to support Kent FA initiatives including the recently launched Wildcats programme and Player Development Centres.
Eighth Wonder participants are provided with unique opportunities to obtain experience; whether as a coach, administrator, marketer, journalist or any other role within the game. Founder, Charlotte Richardson, looks forward to welcoming even more young women to reap the rewards.
“In its first year the Eighth Wonder has accomplished above and beyond what I expected. Besides being able to support so many young, talented women across Kent, we’ve begun to foster an online and offline community of opportunity, support and empowerment.”
“Our 2016 Eighth Wonder girls have taken the inspiration provided to them last October, to give back to their local football communities, to push themselves with more qualifications and have helped spread the word, that yes, there’s plenty of room for women to make a difference in the beautiful game; be it on – or off – the pitch.”
“I’m thankful for the Kent FA who have supported this ground-breaking approach to engage girls with volunteering and careers in football, to see the impact it’s having already is pleasing and I look forward to watching it grow bigger and better.”
Partners of the programme, Kent FA are hosting the day at their headquarters in Ditton this October. Football Development Officer, Natalie Curtis, believes after such a successful start, the programme will continue to impact.
“It is fantastic that we are in the position to run a second Eighth Wonder day as the first one was clearly a success. The FA have recently released their own Female Strategy and Eighth Wonder fits brilliantly in to what we want as Kent FA to offer our young female leaders. The feedback we have received from the first cohort will allow us to build on the day and make this one even better!”