Herefordshire FA Wildcats Ledbury Interview

Meet a Wildcat!

Thinking about giving Wildcats a try?
Girls’ football continues to grow in Herefordshire and with the Women’s World Cup just around the corner, this is the perfect time to give it a try! We have just launched 6 new Wildcats Centres at clubs across the county giving girls aged 5-11 the opportunity to play football whilst making friends and learning new skills.


Over the past two years Wildcats Centres across the entire country have introduced thousands of girls to football, creating a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. Sessions are delivered by FA Qualified coaches and offer safe & fun sessions aimed to develop fundamental skills. Over 250 girls have played football at a Wildcats centre in Herefordshire alone and many of these have gone on to join clubs and are now playing every week. One of these is Lily Irving who began playing football at the Ledbury Wildcats Centre in 2017. Since her first session at Ledbury Wildcats, Lily has gone from strength to strength and now plays for Ledbury Swifts as well as the Herefordshire FA Girls Development Centre.

We spoke to Lily about her time with Wildcats and why she continues to play football.

Ledbury Swifts Herefordshire FA  1. What made you want to start playing football?

I was watching my brother play every week and I thought I would give it a go as I love all sports.

2. How much football had you played before Wildcats?

Hardly any, I played with my brother in the garden and I took part in a football tournament at school.

3. What did you like best about being a Wildcat?

It was really fun, I got to make some new friends and learn new skills.

4. What was it like training with the girls development centre?

I LOVED it! It gave me a chance to develop as a player, and the coaches encouraged and supported me.

5. What has been your best moment playing football?

My best moment so far has to be scoring my first goal for Ledbury Swifts!  
We also asked Lily’s mum a few questions.

1. How do you think Wildcats/playing football has benefitted Lily?
Lily has grown in confidence; she is a very competitive child and loves all sports, now adding football to the list! Going from not playing football to playing 3 times a week, she hasn’t looked back!

2. How do you think the GDC (Girls Development Centre) has benefitted Lily?
It has given her the opportunity to develop her skills and grow as a player. The coaches are always encouraging and supportive. It has given her the opportunity to push herself to be the best player she can be. Making some friends for life along the way.

3. What would you say to someone considering taking their daughter to Wildcats?

Do it! It’s a fantastic opportunity for girls of all ages to be introduced to football.

  Ledbury Swifts Herefordshire FA

Thanks to Lily and Katie Irving for answering our questions! If you know someone who would love to get into football at one of the six SSE Wildcats Girls Football Centres then you can register for more info or get in touch!

Register your interest!

Joe Mathias
Joe.Mathias@HerefordshireFA.com
01432 342179