HOW TO RECRUIT & RETAIN FEMALE PLAYERS Martino Chevannes Charlotte Edwards

Recruit Players Retain Players The Science....

How to RECRUIT players Advertising – when, where, in what format, what does it look like? Who will be your key partners & how can they assist you in attracting players to your club? Challenges

Advertising -Make it appropriate and familiar to your target group -Advertise where they will see it...Social media; FB, twitter, instagram...but also School noticeboards, local papers, community centres, bus stations, doctors surgeries, cafes. -You may want to advertise it as a ‘Come & Play’ session rather than ‘Play for our club’. Again know your target group. -Attention grabbing & colourful. Don’t be afraid to use pink!!

Partners -Don’t try and do it on your own, let others help you recruit. -Schools/FE/HE. Get to know the PE staff (whoever's in charge of the football teams). Taster sessions, advertise in the School, can the teacher help you identify keen students to advertise to directly. Can you run a football festival for the School/several local Schools at your club venue? If FE/HE can you help run the team? -Irish FA, local authorities. They have the contacts and the resources. -Keen parents! -Links with recognisable players and role models.

Source: Aston Villa FC Community Trust

Familiarity Familiarity is essential. Particularly to the venue and the coaches ‘Doorstep sport’. Is the venue nearby/easy to get to and suitable. Continue to recruit throughout the programme Remember the importance of word of mouth. Players sign players

How to RETAIN players Ideas around retaining players? Challenges

Consistency Same venue Same time Same coaches If changes have to be made give players/parents plenty of notice. Is there an opportunity to provide a monthly update

Enlist the right coaches Top 5 traits of a role model (source Youth Sport Trust #GirlsActive March 2015) 1. Non judgmental 2. Approachable 3. Inspiring 4. Compassionate 5. Enthusiastic Coaches should be open to and encourage regular feedback on sessions. Provide boundaries but also give players ownership over sessions.

Opportunities Keep it fresh! It shouldn’t just be about training and/or playing weekly fixtures? -Music, soccercise, mini internal tournaments, invite a sporting hero, raffles, trips/tours, social events, design the new club kit. Source: Sheffield Utd Community Trust

Incentives Do they work? -First 3 sessions free -Bring a friend and you both come free -Come for 10 sessions (loyalty card) and get a shopping voucher -Monthly prize draw

Behaviour change curve Pre- Contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance Women are likely to go around the cycle several times & may bring with them baggage (good & bad) from previous experiences Exercise isn’t on my radar I’m beginning to be interested in exercise I’m actively looking for the right activity & place to play I’ve started to be active but need to get a habit I exercise regularly but need to be retained Source: Sport England