03-03-2003
Girls Allowed!

Hull City AFC is pledging its support to the Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow scheme by holding a special Women and Girl’s Day at the Kingston Communications Stadium.

The Tigers are inviting women’s and girl’s organisations and sports clubs in the area to attend their Nationwide Div. 3 match against Oxford United on Saturday 8^th March 2003 free of charge.  The Club is also targeting local schools in Hull through its Football in the Community programme.

Tigers’ Marketing Manager, Rob Smith, comments.  “The Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow initiative reinforces our on-going commitment to maintaining strong links with the local community. Through our initiatives we are able to offer girls and women new opportunities to play and watch football in the local area.”

Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow, which was launched nationally last November by Nationwide Building Society and the Football League, will result in £750,000 worth of funding being channelled into the development of Women’s football.

John Nagle, Head of Communications of the Football League, comments.  “Football is officially the biggest girl’s and women’s sport in the country.  More than 85% of Nationwide Football League clubs are affiliated with women’s teams and approximately 16% of supporters attending games are female. 

“The excellent Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow scheme will further raise awareness of how women can participate in football, plus encourage more women to attend Nationwide League games.

“Both aims will ensure that through the hard work of the Nationwide Building Society and Football League, more and more people are introduced to football and the exciting product that is the Nationwide Football League.”

Peter Gandolfi, Head of Sports Marketing at Nationwide Building Society concludes.  “We are delighted to be able to support women’s football through our sponsorship of the Nationwide Football League.  Women’s football is the fastest growing sport in the country and this backing will provide many more opportunities for female participation in the game. 

“Clubs in the Nationwide Football Leagues have come up with a magnificent range of initiatives within their local communities to harness participation of girls and women.”

Hull City AFC will also be running a series of girl’s coaching sessions later in the year.

Any Girl’s or Women’s organisations who would like to come along to the Women’s and Girl’s Day as an organised party should contact Alyson Pollard, e-mail , for an application form.