Tuesday 10th July saw two Reading Women FC players visit Aylesbury United Ladies & Girls FC’s U10 and U11s training. The player appearance was also timed to coincide with a free taster session the club had organised to recruit new players.

Aylesbury United are a Sister Club of Reading Women and over the season the club have provided flag bearers and mascots at Reading home games, attended an open training session at Bisham Abbey to watch the first team train, and also entered a tournament against other Sister Clubs.

Lauren Bruton and Georgia Clifford from Reading Women observed the U10s and U11s in training before taking time out to answer questions and pose for photos. The girls asked questions such as: “When did you start playing football?”, “How did you become a Reading player?” and “What do you enjoy about playing football?” The players were asked, “What’s your goal celebration?” before two enthusiastic U11 players volunteered to demonstrate the new celebration they’ve been practising. Bravest question of the evening was from the U10s goalie who asked, “Can you take a penalty against me?” Lauren duly stepped up and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Eighteen girls aged between 7 to 11 years attended the taster session and the new girls were also excited by the chance to meet the FA Women’s Super League players. Questions included: “What’s your favourite team?”, “Who’s your favourite player?” and “What positions do you play?” One lucky girl was delighted to win a football signed by the Reading Women first team.

“A big thank you to Lauren and Georgia from Reading Women for coming to meet the girls,” said Chairperson, Debs Hewes. “We are committed to growing girls’ football and we believe opportunities like this will inspire more girls to play football.”

To view the photos from Lauren and Georgia's visit click here.