Starling Bank Initiative to Support Women’s Grassroots Football

Starling Bank is stepping up its commitment to women’s grassroots football with the return of the ‘Kick On with Starling’ initiative in partnership with Gift of Kit. Recognizing that 72% of girls and women’s grassroots clubs struggle to afford proper kits, this initiative alleviates financial barriers and promotes inclusivity in sports.

This year, the initiative is not just about providing kits. Starling Bank has also introduced the free Kick On Pitch Pack, designed to help teams secure the pitch access they deserve. This addition comes in response to findings that men’s teams have displaced 56% of women’s football players from pitches. The Pitch Pack includes resources to empower clubs and schools to claim their space on the field.

Since its inception, ‘Kick On with Starling’ has distributed over 5,000 kits to girls and women’s teams across the UK. But the bank is eager to do more. Clubs and schools can now apply for a Starling Bank-sponsored team pack, which includes 16 sets of match kits tailored for girls and women, training equipment such as bibs, footballs, and cones, and coaches’ tracksuits. An optional addition of 16 sports bras is also available. Additionally, applicants can opt for an ‘Introduction to Coaching’ course voucher or choose both the kit and the course.

Starling Bank Initiative to Support Women’s Grassroots Football

Eligibility for the initiative extends to existing and new women’s and girls’ teams and schools across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The application process is straightforward and takes about five minutes to complete. Due to limited availability, applications will be randomly selected, and successful applicants will be notified via email with instructions on how to claim their support package.

Jill Scott MBE, former England player and Starling Bank ambassador, emphasized the importance of grassroots football, stating, “The Lionesses didn’t just bring it home for England; we brought it home to inspire more women and girls to play the game. Grassroots pitches are where that legacy really begins. The cost of living crisis worries clubs everywhere, but it’s amazing how hard parents and volunteer coaches work to create opportunities for women and girls to play. I wish I could thank them all.”

In addition to the Kick On initiative, Starling Bank has donated £28,000 to grassroots clubs across the UK and collaborates with Sports Aid to support the future stars of women’s football. For more information or to apply, visit Starling Bank’s website.

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