Huge success for Fire Service Girls and Womens Football Tournament

On Saturday 8 June, 150 women and girls from across Nottinghamshire came together to play in a Fire Service five-aside football tournament.

The players met at Calverton Miner’s Welfare Sports Ground to compete for a trophy, meet firefighters, and learn more about what it takes to join Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. 

Kick-off was at 10am, and despite the rain, players gave their all. Partners from the Football Association, Broxtowe Women’s Project and The Fire Fighters Charity were also there to meet players and their supporters.

A cake sale raised an additional £463.33 for The Fire Fighters Charity. 

Area Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cath Toovey, said “I was proud to be there at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s first girls and women’s tournament, with our Chief Fire Officer, Arnold Blue Watch, other senior leaders, and some of our trainee firefighters. 

“Events like these give us the opportunity to engage with young women on a different level, helping us to build lasting relationships across the county. Most players “had a go” at the firefighter job-related tests, showing them that they were more than capable of being firefighters of the future. 

“The success of the day and the passion shown by teams and coaches just shows how empowering it is to provide spaces for girls and women to grow. We know that girls and women can be whatever they want to be, and we hope that at least some of them are now considering a career in the fire service!”

Chris Harris, from Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP), said “BWP were pleased to be part of this event, not only raising awareness of the important role women play in the Fire Service, plus some amazing football games, but to work together as part of three Nottinghamshire White Ribbon Accredited organisations to promote safety for women”