Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome Sarah Dyke has demonstrated her support for women's sport and called on the wider community of Frome to have their say in the future of the Badgers Hill site.

Sarah Dyke met players and staff from Frome Town Women Football Club at the weekend and was excited to hear about plans for increased community involvement in local football. Over the past year, the volunteers of Frome Town Community Benefit Society (FTCBS) have been working to create and deliver value to the community through the Badgers Hill site and to bring together football in Frome. FTCBS has raised nearly £500,000 in grant funding for much needed repairs and improvements to the grounds and facilities.  

As a former National Premiership 1 rugby player, Sarah is passionate about women's sport and about encouraging girls and young women to stay active. According to a report published by Women in Sport earlier this year, 1.3 million teenage girls who once considered themselves as 'sporty' are dropping out of exercise and activity after primary school. Staying engaged with sport not only has a positive impact on young people's physical health, but also on their mental wellbeing. This is all the more important given the rise in mental health issues among the young. An NHS Digital survey from 2020 found that one in six young people in England between the ages of five and sixteen had experienced a mental health problem.

There's been a surge in interest in women's football over recent years, boosted in no small part by the Lionesses' success in the FIFA Women's World Cup this summer, and Frome Town Women FC are attracting growing numbers of spectators to their games. Although Frome Town Women's match against Bath City FC was postponed on Sunday (29th) because of a waterlogged pitch, Sarah enjoyed meeting players, coaching staff, members of the FTCBS and Frome Town Councillors and having the opportunity to discuss parity and equality of opportunity with them.

Badgers Hill has ambitions to be the home for all Frome football, including women's, men's, youth, disabled and walking football, and Frome Town Community Benefit Society is keen to encourage football fans and town residents to have their say in the future of the site. They're inviting everyone with a connection to Frome to become a member of the Society and to influence its direction and decisions. FTCBS's AGM will be held at the Badgers Hill Clubhouse on 30th November.

Sarah Dyke said: "I'm delighted to be a member of Frome Town Community Benefit Society and I'm excited about the opportunities the Badgers Hill site can bring and the part the community can play in shaping its future. Sport is for everyone and FTCBS marks a new chapter in the history of Frome Town FC."

Leader of Frome Town Council and current FTCBS Director, Lisa Merryweather-Millard said: "We have such an incredible opportunity at Badgers Hill to deliver benefits for the whole community of Frome through both football and other community offers and events in The Clubhouse. Now really is the time to get involved and help realise the potential of this community-owned asset."