We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the home kit for the brand-new Redditch Borough U8’s.
We couldn’t be happier to support these amazing girls, their parents, and new coaches as they begin their football journey with Redditch Borough FC.
At AU Sports, we believe in the power of sport to build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of physical activity. Supporting grassroots teams like this aligns perfectly with our ethos of providing fun, engaging, and accessible sports coaching for all.
We caught up with team manager Phil Costley to find out how the season was going.
1) How has the team been developing this season so far?
We’re a mixed team of U7s & U8s playing in an U8s league. This is their 1st season of league football. We started training in July, working on the fundamentals, and the players are now getting familiar with positions in and out of possession during games. Their focus is improving week by week, which is something you notice when playing against teams with more experience. We're closing the gap all the time, one of our first friendlies we lost 10-0, 7 weeks later we played them again and we lost 5-3 and made a really good game of it. It's pleasing as the coach to see the improvement. The most important thing for me is that I create an environment where all the girls feel welcome, valued and part of the team. And of course it has to be fun, other wise they won't come back.
2) What has pleased you most about the season so far ?
Watching the girls become friends! Every week the bond gets a little stronger, and to see them excited to see their mates at training/on game day is brilliant! It took a few weeks but they know each other properly now and no matter the score, win, lose or draw they’re all smiles at the end. It makes it all worth while.
3) What has been the team's most memorable game ?
Probably our 1st league game of the season. We had lost all of our pre-season friendlies by big score lines. So going into the season I was a little unsure of how long it might take for us to get our 1st win. By half time we were 7-0 up, Eventually winning the game 8-5. It was a timely and perfect reminder that results at this age can vary wildly each week, so best to enjoy the journey, and take the positives, regardless of the result.
4) Do you think the success of the England Lionesses team attracted more young girls into football?
Undoubtedly yes! The spotlight was shone directly onto the girls game like never before. It can only help to inspire the youngsters both girls and boys to get into football! In 10-15 years time I'm sure the England Women’s Team will talk of how they were inspired by the Lionesses winning the Euros.
5) If any parent reading this has a young girl wanting to start to play football, where do you suggest they should start?
Do it! Both of my daughters and 7 of my 9 players came through Redditch Borough’s Development or Lioness Girls Football, both ran by AU Sports. Their sessions are fun and engaging and the coaches care about your child! I’ve seen firsthand as a father of two girls, the many benefits to children playing team sports, the resilience, confidence, fantastic life skills that they get which are the real bonus!
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