On the eve of the Women’s European Championship, England’s Lionesses talk getting fit with footie
As the Lionesses head to the Euros, we chat to the team about getting into football
Women’s football is about as girl power as it gets right now, with the England ladies tipped to bring home some silverware from the European Championships in the Netherlands this month. The FA has committed to doubling the participation of women and girls in the sport for 2020, so there’s never been a better time to get involved. Here, England’s Lucy Bronze and Toni Duggan talk getting fit with football…
What skills do we need to be a footballer? Toni:
One of the biggest steps is just having the confidence to give it a go. It’s a team sport, but that also means you have to be able to fit your skills into the group.
Lucy: Physical fitness goes alongside that – the game lasts for 90 minutes, so you’ve got to be able to run around for that long, plus, be able to jump and change direction.
What training techniques can we use at the gym? T:
In our gym sessions, we work on our lower legs and core stability, as that’s important for your balance, so we do lots of weights. On the pitch, we practise running, speed, aerobic endurance and ball skills.
Going for a run is great as it builds your endurance and stamina. Spinning is ideal, too, as it’s cardio and really works your legs. Sprinting is also useful, as it’s important to be fast in football. Try a circuits session of five and ten-yard sprints, or running for 15 seconds, then resting for 15 seconds.
How can I get involved? T:
You can join your local five-a-side or train with a bigger team. There’ll be one close to where you live – there is so much more available for girls and women nowadays.
T: Yes, sign up through the FA website (Thefa.com/ women-girls-football) and find your nearest team. England kick off their Euro 2017 campaign against Scotland on Wed 19 July on Channel 4. Join the conversation using #Lionesses. For more, visit Thefa.com/forgirls