The Hunslet Club hosted its first-ever Girls’ Football Gala at the weekend (6 June 2026), welcoming more than 25 grassroots girls’ teams for a day of football, fun, and inspiration.
The landmark event marks another important step forward in the club’s commitment to increasing opportunities for girls in sport and helping to bridge the gap between girls’ and boys’ participation in football.
Teams from across the region came together at The Hunslet Club’s state-of-the-art football facility, creating a fantastic atmosphere filled with energy, teamwork, and plenty of smiles. The gala gave young players the chance to compete, develop their skills, make new friends, and celebrate their love of football in a positive and supportive environment.
The success of the event reflects the rapid growth of girls’ football at The Hunslet Club since the opening of its new football facility less than a year ago. The facility, partially funded by the Football Foundation through the Lionesses Futures Fund, has already helped the club establish three new girls’ teams that are now competing regularly.
The inaugural Girls’ Football Gala was further supported by a special visit from two players from Leeds United Women. The players were impressed by the high standard of football on display, as well as the confidence, enthusiasm, and determination shown by the young participants, highlighting the exciting future of the girls’ game at grassroots level.
Kizzie Robbins, Women and Girls Football Lead at The Hunslet Club, said:
“It was brilliant to see our first-ever Girls’ Football Gala come together with such a great turnout. The standard of football was really impressive, but what stood out most was the girls’ confidence, attitude and how much they enjoyed it. Having Leeds United Ladies players there made it even more special for them, they were really impressed with what they saw, and the girls felt inspired”
With more girls than ever getting involved in football at the club, The Hunslet Club remains committed to creating opportunities for every young person to participate, develop, and thrive through sport.
The event also represents a special moment in the club’s history. Since 1940, The Hunslet Club has been at the heart of the local community, originally operating as The Hunslet Boys Club before evolving into the inclusive organisation it is today. Hosting its first-ever Girls’ Football Gala was a proud milestone and a wonderful celebration of how far the club has come.
Seeing more than 25 teams come together, supported by families, coaches, volunteers, and the wider community, made for a memorable day that showcased not only the growth of girls’ football, but also the positive impact sport can have in bringing people together.
This post is based on a press release issued by The Hunslet Club
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