London FA launched its “London Leopard” scheme this week. The scheme will train 100 new female coaches, who will go on to do fun football introduction sessions to a thousand 7-11 year-olds.

The scheme is backed by the Wembley National Stadium Trust (WNST) who fund it with £200,000. It is set up to increase the opportunities for women in football and to increase the impact that female coaches can have as role models on the development of young girls. This scheme comes after the London FA identified more female coaches as a top priority in its own women’s and girl’s strategy.

Statistics show that in the UK only 11% of 5-9 year-old girls play football. For boys of the same age, the number is significantly higher with 52% playing football. The gap is similar in the age group of 10-11 year-olds, where 41% of girls and 88% of boys play football.

With the scheme the London FA is hoping to narrow the gap. Neil from the London Football Association says that they “hope to see the first results in summer”.

The application for women to become coaches opened last Monday and will close on Monday 26th. The successful applicants will be provided with the tool required to complete their Level 1 qualifications.

London Leopards collaborate with eight football clubs including Charlton Athletics Women’s, Chelsea Foundation and Arsenal Women. These will provide eight week long coaching programme.

The clubs have also been tasked with identifying pathways beyond the initial bedding-in period into the new venture. These coaches will then go on to deliver session for young girls.