More than 60 young players have already signed up as Minchinhampton Rangers Youth FC prepares to launch a new dedicated girls’ football pathway ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The initiative marks a significant milestone for one of Gloucestershire’s largest youth football clubs, creating a clear pathway for girls aged five to 11 to progress from grassroots football through the youth ranks and beyond.
The new setup will officially begin in September and has already attracted strong interest through a series of summer taster sessions.
The project has been made possible with support from gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities, which has funded six months of indoor training facilities to ensure sessions can continue uninterrupted throughout the winter months.
Lead coach Tim Dowdes said the club had long hoped to establish a dedicated girls’ section.
“We have wanted to launch a girls pathway for some time now, and thanks to commitment and support from volunteer coaches and businesses like Wales & West Utilities, we have been able to get this off the ground in time for the new season.
“We have been overwhelmed by the interest and are now looking forward to developing and seeing the girls progress through the age groups, as their participation in the sport grows.”
The funding comes as Wales & West Utilities carries out a major programme to upgrade more than 1,700 metres of gas pipes in Minchinhampton.
Dowdes said the support would help ensure football remained accessible for local families.
“We are hugely excited to see this pathway grow and we’d urge anyone interested in playing to register to come along to our training sessions.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I’d like to thank Wales & West Utilities for its generous support in helping us develop grassroots football opportunities for young girls. Without this support, we would sadly face the difficult decision of passing these costs on to our families, and we don’t believe finance should ever be a barrier to young people enjoying sport.
“We are really looking forward to kicking off the new season and helping these young girls develop both on and off the field.”
Ryan Barkway, who is managing the gas pipe upgrade project for Wales & West Utilities, said supporting community initiatives was an important part of the company’s work.
“We are always looking to support the communities in which we work and are proud that this funding will go to help a large number of young footballers, and their families.
“Grassroots sport is so pivotal, and with teams like this benefitting so many youngsters we are delighted to lend a helping hand to get the girls pathway at Minchinhampton Rangers Youth FC off the ground. We wish everyone a great season ahead.”
Young players aged between five and 11 who are interested in joining the club are encouraged to register through Minchinhampton Rangers Youth FC.
As well as supporting the new girls’ pathway, Wales & West Utilities is continuing its programme of essential gas network upgrades in Minchinhampton to help ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for homes and businesses for years to come.
