Tosh Farrell Soccer Magazine June 2020 | Page 28

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.