Play games

A girl friendly environment is physically and emotionally safe, active and playful, a place where girls:

• feel safe, welcome and included
• believe football is for them
• are encouraged to try, play and enjoy
• are supported by adults who understand their needs

Many girls stop playing not because they lack ability, but because:

• their confidence drops
• they don’t feel they belong
• the environment doesn’t feel welcoming

Playmakers and Play Games act as fun, low-pressure gateways to football. They work best in environments that:

• prioritise enjoyment over outcomes
• value confidence as much as skill
• allow girls to progress at their own pace

A girl-friendly environment is shaped by the people, spaces, behaviours and culture girls encounter - when they arrive, while they play and when they leave.

Coaches play a central role of:

Coach as cheerleader

Offering positive encouragement, calm support and inclusive language.

Coach as storyteller

Using simple stories, themes or characters to make football fun and pressure free.

Coach as facilitator of fun

• Planning active, inclusive games — not drills
• Giving simple choices, asking questions, and adapting activities to keep girls engaged

When adapting activities, use the STEP principle (Space, Task, Equipment, Players):

• Smaller or larger spaces
• Simple rule changes (extra touches, safe zones, bonus goals)
• Different or adapted equipment
• More or fewer players

Change one thing at a time — not everything at once.

Coaches who apply the following principles can can create spaces where girls feel confident, included and excited to take part.

1. Make girls feel welcome from the first moment

First impressions strongly influence confidence and belonging.

Good practice

• Greet girls and their families positively.
• Learn and use names as early as possible.
• Make it clear that beginners are welcome.
• Use inclusive language like “we” and “together”.
• Start with a simple game everyone can play.

Girls should never feel they are behind or not good enough.

2. Create safe and positive spaces

Girls play best when they feel safe, both physically and emotionally.

Good practice

• Set clear safeguarding expectations for everyone.
• Have zero tolerance of teasing or negative comments.
• Use calm, well-organised spaces.
• Have clear routines for arrivals, activities and collection.
• Support friendships and positive interactions.

Safety builds confidence. Confidence builds participation.

3. Design sessions around how girls learn

Children learn best through doing, exploring and repeating experiences in play.

Good practice

• Use game-based activities instead of drills.
• Use stories or themes from the cards.
• Focus on one clear idea per activity.
• Reinforce learning through repetition in play.
• Use brief demonstrations rather than long explanations.
• Avoid stopping games too often; let the play do most of the teaching.

When learning feels like play, confidence and ability grow together.

4. Put fun and confidence before competition

Early football should feel playful and low pressure.

Good practice

• Focus on enjoyment, effort and giving things a go.
• Use small-sided, flexible game formats.
• Avoid making comparisons or selections.
• Rotate pairs and teams regularly.
• Keep competition playful and optional.

When girls enjoy football, learning follows naturally.

5. Coach effort, not outcomes

Girls are more confident and motivated when effort counts for more than winning.

Good practice

• Praise effort, bravery and persistence over success.
• Highlight teamwork and helping each other.
• Set challenges everyone can succeed in.
• Avoid focusing on scores or winners.

Valuing effort helps girls feel safe to try, learn and keep going.

6. Think about your own behaviour

The adults shape the environment, not the children.

Good practice

• Be calm, encouraging and consistent.
• Listen as much as you talk.
• Praise effort and normalise mistakes as part of learning.
• Watch your language, tone and body language.

How sessions feel matters as much as what is delivered.

7. Give girls a voice and simple choices

Feeling listened to increases motivation, confidence and ownership.

Good practice

• Ask short, simple questions during activities.
• Offer clear choices rather than open options.
• Let girls choose roles, themes or celebrations.
• Invite ideas for small rule changes.
• Respond positively to all contributions.

When girls feel heard and are given choices, confidence grows

8. Offer flexible ways to play

For young girls in particular, success is about confidence, enjoyment and engagement, not technical outcomes.

Good practice

• Use Play Games as tasters, drop-ins or part of regular sessions.
• Offer beginner, girls-only opportunities where possible.
• Use a mix of 1 vs 1 to 4 vs 4 games.
• Remove pressure around when and how they join in. Keep participation pressure low.

There is no single pathway; flexibility keeps girls involved.

9. Involve parents and families

Families play an important role in confidence, enjoyment and retention.

Good practice

• Explain the purpose of Playmakers and Play Games.
• Emphasise fun, confidence and social development.
• Share what positive progress looks like.
• Welcome parents as partners.
• Keep communication clear and positive.

When families understand the approach, girls feel supported.

10. Create visible and encouraging pathways

Girls need to see what comes next without feeling rushed.

Good practice

• Clearly link Playmakers to Play Games and then to regular play.
• Use small-sided game days or festivals.
• Offer flexible transitions into teams.
• Value friendships as much as football ability.
• Celebrate milestones, not just results.

Progress should feel encouraging, not intimidating.