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GIRLS |
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| TRAINING | NEWS | GAMES | CAMPS | CONTACTS |
| EVENTS | GIRLS | TEAMS | TOURS | PARTNERS |
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There are now over 1 million girls playing organised football in Germany - around 20 of them play for the EFCB. Ever since we have launched our first girls' team at the club, the numbers have been growing rapidly. While we encourage our youngest girls to play with the boys as long as possible, the older age groups, U11-U14, are part of the separate EFCB girls' section. Our most advanced girls have the opportunity to play in one of Berlin's competitive youth leagues. All other players participate in friendly games and tournaments throughout the year. |
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EFCB Girls in england
At the end of the 2008 season, our girl's team travelled to London to take part in a tournament organized by the Brockham Badgers FC, a fine local club based in Dorking. Over the two days, a staggering 192 teams with over 1500 young footballers entered into the European Championship spirit, with flags and faces painted - and some choosing to wear the shirts of their 'adopted country'. Around 3000 spectators also enjoyed the spectacle on Brockham's Big Field, nestling at the foot of the North Downs. The day before the games, the team had the chance to go sightseeing in London. Little did they know when they arrived at Buckingham Palace and saw the Royal Guard and a lot of police around. It was the Queens' Birthday celebration – and the EFCB girls were right amongst the many visitors and spectators. "How lucky can you be to travel to London and to visit the Queen - and actually seeing her in her carriage with Prince Philip? Not only her but the entire Royal Family! The Royal Guards followed us through St. James´s Park and the girls had the experience of seeing them up really close and were prompted to copy their marching, stepping smartly in their EFCB track suits looking like a regiment of sorts." (Beate - Soccer mum)
At night the host families, who kindly offered to house the team during their stay, had organized a BBQ. What a great way of socializing and making new friends! On the next day it was time for some action on the football field. Our girls played 5 games vs. Abbey Rangers, Brockham Badgers, Horsham Sparrows, Merstham and Scorpions Blue and finished the group as third. "The organization of the event was superb.15 pitches for the various age groups, games around the clock, nothing left to be desired in terms of food, drink & side events. We found ourselves at pitch 13 where we were to compete. Lucky number, unlucky number - our girls did very well. Sophie was scoring a lot of goals. Katharina earned herself the fair play award and a ball because she volunteered to be in goal and did a fabulous job there.We came in 3rd just behind two teams with girls who play at a semi professional level at Chelsea and Fulham." (Beate - Soccer mum)
The girls returned to Berlin with a lot of stories and some found memories. A big thank you has to go to our host families and the entire Brockham Badgers FC who helped making the trip a wonderful experience for the entire EFCB group. The overwhelming kindness and hospitality shown to our players were exceptional. We hope to see you all in Berlin soon.
"Thank you EFCB for your kind gifts – my boys wore their Germany caps to school today and are now busily stuffing their faces with the gummy bears! The boys and my daughter (who will be dedicating her Berlin mug to the exclusive use of hot chocolate – her favourite) will be putting the scarves and caps to good use having made a collective decision to now support Deutschland in the Euro 2008 Finals. From what I could tell from the standard of football your girls displayed, they should have got through to the knock-out stages. Their ball control and passing was far better than most. They just lacked a bit of physical weight." Jason Rabbets (Tournament Director)
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GOALKEEPER PROBLEM SOLVED – NEW SEASON HERE WE COME
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OPEN GIRLS' ROUNDS
Michael Stolz (EFCB coach): 'It's important that girls outside the club structures get more opportunities to play. Very often they don't get the same chances as the boys, whether it's at school, during the breaks or in the park in their spare time. Generally, there seems to be a rising interest amongst girls in football these days. The key is to encourage them to practice and play from a young age and on a regular basis.'
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Our girls confirmed their fine form displayed recently in the league with a 3rd place at our annual Berlin International Youth Cup in May. The EFCB girls lost only one game against Türkiyemspor who finished 2nd in the end. The tournament was won by FC Internationale while the British School, the JFK and the Berlin International School shared 4th, 5th and 6th. One very positive aspects of the Youth Cup was the fact that we only conceded two goals in the 5 games we played. This was down to our good defensive work but also to our new goalkeeper Isabelle who left a good impression on her first assignment.
With only a few league games left, we are already planning ahead to new season which starts in September. For now, we have registered a girl's team for the C-Junior age group which allows players born '94, '95 & '96 to compete in the league programme. We are also in the process of building up a team eligible to play in the D-Junior bracket for players born '97 & '98. In the coming weeks we would like to invite new players for tryout sessions. So if you are interested in practicing and playing with one the EFCB girls' teams, just get in touch. Our regular training takes place on Wednesday afternoons, 16.45-18.15, in Zehlendorf near Hüttenweg/Clayallee.
In order to encourage more girls to play football on a regular basis, the EFCB has come up with a new project. It's called Open Rounds and offers girls age 7-13 to participate in series of mini- tournaments, either as a school team or just as an individual player. On the day the girls get divided into teams according to age and playing level. The rounds are organised by the EFCB in association with our international partner schools such as the JFK, BIS and the BBS who fully support the new programme.
The first two rounds took place in February and April 2008. The dates for the next rounds will be announced soon.