MK Dons Sport & Education Trust held a community event in early September to highlight the importance of Women’s football within the Milton Keynes community.
Recently, the England Lionesses reached the final stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where they faced Spain. Unfortunately, the team faced defeat following a 1-0 defeat.
However, MK Dons SET wanted to celebrate the achievements of the women’s national team whilst highlighting the impact the World Cup had on the Milton Keynes community.
A total of 50+ participants attended the event through three team competiting against one another. These sides consisted of Fuller's Slade, Broughton and Bradvulle with support from families and friends.
One attendee mentioned the positive impact the day had on her, as well as her team. She had thiss to say "We all had such a great time, and I think you can see that with the way we're all smiling and laughing no matter if we win, lose or draw.
"Today has been so beneficial for us, not just phyically, but it's helped us socially and mentally too. Being able to exercise through something as fun and enjoyable as this has been a real treat for all of us and we're hoping to continue doing something similar down the line."
Sharon Wates, Women’s Recreational Officer for MK Dons SET, hosted the event alongside the support of other SET staff, as well as Fullers Slade Children Centre and Community Engagement Officer, Stephen Bryant.
When asked about the day, Wates explained “The plan was for this event to be a celebration of the Lionesses near success within the Women’s World Cup, as well as celebrating Women’s football altogether.
“We’ve tried to make it a special day for all of those who participated, and they all mentioned how beneficial it was for them mentally and socially too. It was a brilliant community event that has built a connection between us all.”
Sharon added “We’re here for the community and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. For me, that’s the best part, getting the community involved. I think that it’s been a successful event.”
Not only was the successful day measured on the enjoyment of all the people who attended, but it also sparked an enthusiasm for teams that want to continue playing Women’s football.
The MK Dons SET Women’s Recreational Officer explained “In April we started doing a ‘walking football’ programme with Fullers Slade, but they’ve really embraced this opportunity and they’ve come to me and said that they want to create a proper team whilst doing proper training in the hopes to join a league.
“To me, that’s a massive positive. I wasn’t expecting that, and we’re even looking to set something up with a centre that I’ve only recently been in contact with so It’s a massive win for all involved.”
Within the day a football tournament system was played, though, all the teams involved thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The winner of the competition was rewarded with a trophy that was presented by two MK Dons Women’s First Team players, Mollie Coupar and Rhianne Rush.
When questioned about the importance of Women’s football within the Milton Keynes community, Rush commented “It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of the Women’s World Cup (hosted by MK Dons SET) which turned out to be a brilliant display of Women’s football in the local community.
“Across the past few years, there has been such an increase in awareness and support in the Women’s game, and we hope to continue offering opportunities for the game to grow across all different levels.”
Coupar added “The Women’s World Cup was an excellent event, helping to remove barriers, and provide opportunities for females within Milton Keynes.
“To be able to observe so many participants taking part and enjoying themselves throughout the event was incredibly rewarding, and it shows the level of impact the Milton Keynes Dons SET has on the local community.”
