On Friday we hosted a very special Women’s Recreational Football Festival here at Culver Road, in celebration of Sussex Day.

16 teams took part with over 120 players joining us for a celebration of the women’s game and all things Sussex.

Starting with a rendition of Sussex by the Sea, the event then got underway, with four games taking place at a time across our pitch at Culver Road.

Music from notable musicians from the county continued to serenade the teams throughout the event, with the likes of Royal Blood, Rizzle Kicks and Rag’n’Bone Man all featuring.

As for refreshments, the Sussex themed cupcakes proved very popular with players and spectators alike, with the proceeds going towards helping to fund the Sussex Disability Football League.

During the evening, we caught up with some of the players to get their thoughts on the event and just what Sussex Day means to them.

Brighton Seagals player Izzy Davis said: “I love coming down and playing in the Women’s Rec Festivals,” she said.

“The relaxed and welcoming nature of the event is something you don’t often find, and so being able to play or referee these games is a great thing to be able to do.

“When refereeing these events we always try to keep encouraging that positive behaviour, and it’s great to see that shine through here today, and especially on Sussex Day.”

Sarah ‘Marty’ Martin from Newhaven Women added: “Women’s football is my life, be it a Rec Festival, walking or running football game.

“It’s always a great atmosphere here and you soon start recognising players from different teams and you soon form friendships with so many different people.

“As for the event being held on Sussex Day, I’m born and bred Sussex, with my family still running a farm in the county, so the day means a great deal,” said Marty.

Carol Bates of Crawley Old Girls (COGS) said: “When we first started the Rec events in 2017 there were only a few teams playing, so to see how it’s grown now, six years on, with all these new teams and women playing, is just fantastic.

“This is one of our favourite festivals, because it’s the perfect introduction for women who’ve never played before. No scores are kept, everyone is here to enjoy themselves, it’s brilliantly run, so it’s perfect for them.

“As we’re getting more and more women getting into recreational football, we’re also now starting to get younger women taking part, which is also just great to see.

“And the fact we can hold today’s event on Sussex Day is a brilliant coincidence, along with the fact that the sun is shining down on us for a change!”

Finally, our Development Officer, Ayscha Woods had this to say on the event: “Our final women’s recreational football festival of the season proved to be a perfect celebration of the county, and an excellent showcase of our brilliant women’s rec teams.

“It was great seeing the women of Sussex coming together, playing the beautiful game, and enjoying the Sussex themed music throughout the night.

“Our women’s rec festivals are always a great inclusive event, in which we see teams coming back time and time again. We love seeing our women leave with a smile on their face, and we are looking forward to the future bringing more opportunities for women’s football.”

(A selection of photographs can be found on Facebook - courtesy of Simon Roe Photography)

For more information on women’s football in Sussex contact:

Development
T: 01903 766855
E: Development@SussexFA.com