'I'm both coach and agony aunt' - helping the next generation of women's football talent
Meet Viv Jeffers, the co-founder and manager of East London Ladies Football Community. Viv helped relaunch the club in 2014, and it offers a safe space for girls and women to hone their skills on a weekly basis.
The club boasts almost 150 members and has won London’s grassroots club of the year. And now Viv’s commitment has also been recognised with a nomination in Sky Bet’s search for Real Football No.1s.
"Cancelling even a single session is a no go!"
The UK’s No.1 Betting App is scouring the UK for people behind the scenes who dedicate their lives to the beautiful game.
Viv says, “My role has gone all over the shop: I’m kit washer, bib collector, friend and agony aunt, which is the main one over the years.”
The sessions allow the players to let off steam and use football as a positive space to boost their mental wellbeing.
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“When the girls say stuff like, ‘We’ll never let you quit,’ that shows how much I mean to them,” says Viv. “The thought of cancelling a session, even for just one week, is a no go!”
Watch Viv’s video here
Viv still has to fight tooth and nail to ensure there are adequate facilities for her teams, and often they have to compete for favourable time slots with men’s clubs.
“There’s ‘availability’, but some organisations are still not offering women’s football a decent pitch,” says Viv. “It’s a constant battle and I don’t think it’ll end any time soon, but women’s football is getting a bit more exposure.”
Meanwhile, East London Ladies FC provides a pathway for players, with one young star scouted by Tottenham, and another progressing through the ranks to earn her coaching badges, as well as becoming a qualified referee.
“Seeing all of these friendships blossoming puts a massive smile on my face,” Viv adds. “It’s so clichéd, but it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.”
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Watch Viv’s video here or visit SkyBet.com
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