Hampstead Women's Football Club was founded in 1997 by a group of Jewish ladies wanting to play football for fun on Hampstead Heath. Just over 10 years later, the team are now just six divisions below the FA Women's Premier League.
The team secured funding from the Football Foundation in 2005, and combined with the support of Maccabi Great Britain, it has enabled the team to develop into an impressive outfit.
The team's manager Brad Solomon has lead the club from the outset, and he describes them as a "well respected, committed and competitive team".
Recruits have included ex-Arsenal player Claire Lewis, who also manages a Jewish men's side, Red Sea. "We are a really committed group of girls and a much-improved side," she said. "Everyone turns up for our weekly training sessions"
Striker Kate Freeman added, "HWFC goes a long way in proving that football is not just a man's game, but can be enjoyed by Jewish women. I remember being the only girl at cheder(Jewish Sunday school) classes to play football with the boys.
"It's important for the Jewish community to understand that football also offers the opportunity to develop skills off the pitch, playing a part in building self-esteem, self-belief and self-respect."
Some of the Hamstead Women's team are hoping to represent Great Britain at the 2009 Macabbiah Games in Israel, the first time Great Britain will send a women's football team to the Games.
For further information on HWFC please contact Brad Solomon at cconditioning@hotmail.co.uk
If you are interested in starting a women's team and need help, advice or support please contact Kick It Out by emailing info@kickitout.org
