Building opportunities for women and girls in football at Brentford | OneFootball

This Women’s History Month, Brentford Football Club is highlighting the club’s work to widen inclusion and access for women and girls, whether that’s on the pitch, in the stands, or behind the scenes.

To support women taking their first or next steps into football coaching, Brentford is launching the first year of the Built to Belong in Coaching programme.

The club will fully fund eight women to complete coaching qualifications. The participants will be nominated through our community engagement partners.

Participants will complete either The Football Association’s (FA) Introduction to Coaching Football course, Level 1, or a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) C Diploma. The programme will also provide opportunities for continued professional development and networking with other aspiring female coaches.

Research from YouGov, conducted on behalf of UK Coaching, shows the percentage of female coaches dropped from 44 per cent in 2022 to just 38 per cent in 2024.

During the February fixture between Brentford Women and Saltdean United at Gtech Community Stadium, £2 from every adult ticket sold was donated to initiatives for women and girls delivered by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. A total of £6,500 was raised, with the club matching the donation to further invest in opportunities for women and girls.

Carly Williams, head coach of Brentford Women, said: "Strong female coaches and role models are needed to help the game thrive. By funding these qualifications and creating opportunities to learn, connect and develop, the club is helping more women take that first step, or next step in their coaching journey.

“It’s also fantastic to see the support from our fans through the fixture we played at the Gtech, with the funds raised going directly towards programmes that support women & girls. It’s great to see our community actively helping to empower more women to enter football."

Bringing more women and girls to the Gtech

At Brentford, we believe football is for everyone, regardless of gender. Historically, women have lacked inclusion in the sport and, unfortunately, there remain areas of the game where women are underrepresented. The club has a long-term commitment to ensuring Brentford is a safe, welcoming and supportive place for women and girls.

Since becoming the first club to pilot the ‘first-time fans’ initiative last season, Brentford will come together with Her Game Too to host another fixture for women and girls who have never attended a Premier League match.

A limited number of tickets are available to women and girls to watch the Bees take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on 16 March (8pm kick-off) at Gtech Community Stadium or to attend a future Brentford game.

For many women and girls, barriers still exist that can make attending matches feel daunting. First-time fans aims to give them the opportunity to experience a matchday in a welcoming environment alongside a small group of like-minded fans, with support from Brentford staff.

Women and girls who have never attended a Premier League match and would like to apply can do so by completing the club’s online form.

Celebrating our female staff

Brentford marked International Women's Day on Sunday by highlighting some of the women who work behind the scenes to help matchdays run smoothly.

The video features several members of staff working across the club, from media services to content and fan relations.

The piece also includes Carly Williams, head coach of Brentford Women, who is aiming for success with the side in the fifth tier of the London and South East Women's Regional Football League.