"Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, another star player may emerge" writes Alison Boulton

Every Saturday morning Oxfordshire explodes with youthful vigour, as children and teenagers all over the county throw off their duvets and head for their local playing fields. It’s football which gets these young people going – girls as well as boys.

According to Stonesfield resident and League Secretary Alwena Appleton, 43, the sport is attracting more girls than ever.

“Apart from an enjoyment of the physicality of the game, girls have a natural ability to work together. All our teams have a very strong bond. Team spirit is high and girls really respond well to that feeling of being part of something collaborative,” Appleton says.

Despite the Football Association allowing mixed football until Under 15s, there comes a natural point when boys and girls drift apart. At that point, girls often give up football, despite being still interested.

Witnessing this phenomenon involving her own daughters, Appleton decided to help form an all-girls team. Such was its success, there are now four all-girls teams in Stonesfield: the under nines, 11s, 13s and 15s. In Oxford, Summertown Stars currently have 27 girls playing in their under 10s teams alone.

“I started as a supportive mum. When I saw how much pleasure my girls were getting from taking part in the sport, I took on more responsibility to organise leagues elsewhere. If more parents could help a little, we could achieve even more,” Appleton says.

Cumnor businessman Paul Lyon, 50, has taken on the complicated task of organising Oxfordshire’s 5,000 strong body of enthusiastic amateur players in a voluntary capacity.

As league fixtures and referees secretary for the Oxford Mail Youth Football League, Lyon has been responsible for scheduling matches, bringing on and retaining young players, and allotting referees to matches around the county. His young son was a primary reason to get involved. “It was a way of separating him from Game Boy – all the rage at the time – and out into the open air, getting some exercise,” Lyon says. “Nothing’s changed since then, apart from more distractions which encourage sedentary behaviour. Football is a lot more fun.

“Once it was paper rounds which earned pocket money. Now young players have the opportunity to earn as much at the weekend refereeing. The Football Association’s put more emphasis on taking part within a framework of rules than winning, but that doesn’t stop games being exciting to play, and attracting new talent all the time,” Lyon says. Headington resident Joey Beauchamp, 43, played for OM Youth League side Summertown Stars in the early 80s before joining Oxford United. Thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers, another star player may emerge, any time soon.

Oxford FA volunteer page Or contact Alwena Appleton on 01993 891676