We are delighted to announce that Karen Dare (Coffee & Kicks) has won The Lioness Award as part of England Football’s Grassroots Football Awards.

This is awarded to a club, league or project that has developed opportunities for women or girls in recreational or competitive football.

Receiving support from Age UK and Freedom Leisure, Coffee & Kicks is a weekly walking football group for women over 40, based in Portslade.

Overseen by FA Level 1 coach, Karen Dare, the sessions take place indoors, and always end with the players meeting in the café for a hot drink.

Following legacy funding from the WEUROs, Coffee & Kicks sessions were able to expand and attract more players. 

Offering the chance to be coached by a female coach, learn new skills and meet new people, has seen new players join the sessions - with some having never even kicked a ball before!

The legacy funding also enabled, Coffee & Kicks to run a ‘Legacy Legends’ festival which brought all the walking football groups together that have been funded by the WEURO legacy programme in Sussex.

It was the first of its kind for the county and was complemented by an all-female event team and referees.

Coach Karen Dare said: “It has been great seeing the players settle into playing football at our Coffee & Kicks sessions!

“Week after week they give their full effort, and their footballing ability has improved and alongside their confidence.

“All players always play with a smile on their faces and clearly enjoy the football, new friendships and chat that the sessions provide. It is a real pleasure to coach such a lovely group.”

To find out more about the England Football Grassroots Awards please contact:

Awards
E: Awards@SussexFA.com