Hayles praises free female sessions.

To mark the start of the EFL Week of Action yesterday Bristol City Women’s FC players, Emily Syme, Kaylan Marckese and Shania Hayles attended the Foundation’s F3 session at Merchants Academy Sports Centre.

F3 sessions aim to get women and girls of all ages active by running free fitness sessions in our local community.

Having supported the Foundation many times before, Syme, Marckese, and Hayles, couldn't hide their smiles as they joined in with passing drills and small-sided games.

Shania has taken a particular interest in encouraging women and girls to get involved in sport, sharing:

"It was great to see so many women and girls getting involved in football tonight. I had several women tell me that they had got involved in the adult session after standing on the sidelines watching their daughters. I think it's fantastic that this opportunity for a free and relaxed session for adult women exists. I had so much fun, thanks for having us!"

The girls spoke to the project founders, Lauren and Grace Phillips, and learned about the why they started the session for girls when they were teenagers.

Grace shared:

"We didn't have a session for us growing up so when we had the chance to set up a session for young girls, we jumped at the opportunity. Seeing their mums standing on the sidelines, many of whom were inactive, we realised that we could help them too. Years later, we run multiple sessions a week, targeting women and girls in areas of deprivation in Bristol.

For many, this session is a moment of respite in their busy lives so having the club come down and support us is always amazing."

The EFL Week of Action shines a spotlight on the community work of all 72 Clubs and Club Community Organisations. City men and women players will be joining the Foundation at sessions throughout the week.

Find out more about our women and girls sessions below.