Sefton Schoolgirls Manager Karl Lysaght Talks
About The Rise Of Girls Football On Merseyside
“Many thanks for attending the recent trials, I am pleased to confirm
that your daughter has been given a place in the final squad“
Reading that text six years ago started me with my first
involvement in schoolgirls representative football. Probably one
of the proudest moments I’ve experienced as a parent and while
it will stay forever etched in my memory, it’s also probably what
started my journey into football coaching shortly after.
While I thought that my daughter might have been in with a slight
chance to represent her district having just become the first girl
to be asked to play for her primary boys team, there were so
many players trying to get a place in the final squad, I knew it
would be tough.
Fast-forward sixteen months and following the departure of the
previous management team, I was asked if I’d be interested in
taking over the very same Schoolgirls team.
After being involved in girls football for a few years coaching
myself, I had always been passionate about girls getting the
opportunity to play at the highest levels available and schools
representative football certainly provided that platform.
Our regional U11 schoolgirls season
provides for a monthly league
tournament, culminating with the top
four teams being given the
opportunity to play Cup and Plate
finals on the pitch at Goodison Park,
which is a fantastic opportunity for
the players.
Schools representative football allows players to remain with
their respective clubs, while getting experience of playing within a
new team and with different coaches.
I really enjoy working with the players and every year I see new
groups increasingly more passionate about the game and their
development, who are proud to be selected to represent their
district.