MK Dons get set to make football fun for women

MK Dons want women to get on the ball with Sophie Radburn

League Two Milton Keynes Dons are going on the attack in a bid to make football fun for women.

Sophie Radburn, the new women's recreational football officer at MK Dons Sport and Education Trust, is not specifically trying to sign women up to play professionally.

The 22-year-old simply plans sessions where women of all ages and abilities can be active and have fun playing the sport.

"It's still a men's sport, that's how society sees it," she explained.

"Not so much as it used to be but I think there is still a stigma around it."

A walking football session is already up and running and Radburn said the oldest participant was 80 years old.

"We want to get more women and girls involved in football in Milton Keynes from 16-plus," said Radburn, who grew up in Caldecote, Cambridgeshire, and is a life-long Aston Villa fan.

"Whether that's playing it or coaching or refereeing. I'm reaching out to different areas in Milton Keynes"

Sophie Radburn grew up near Cambridge and is an Aston Villa fan

"I think it's so important to help create more opportunities for girls and women to get involved," said Radburn, who has a degree in sports coaching from the University of Northampton.

"Boys of a young age - I think they feel more confident to go into a park and have a kickaround."

A walking football session is already up and running in Milton Keynes