Loughborough University welcomed 210 girls to take part in a free FA Girls’ Football Festival this week, aimed at increasing and retaining girls’ participation in the game.
Girls aged between 5 and 16 years, from various schools across Leicestershire were invited to test their skills in a range of activities combining football, fun and music. The festivals are a joint initiative by The FA and Continental Tyres, providing an exciting, interactive football experience for both those new to the game and regular players.
Caroline Hulme, National Women’s Football Project Officer at The FA commented:
“It’s FA Girls’ Football Week and across the country thousands of girls are getting involved and playing football. We are here in Loughborough and it is fantastic to see so many young girls enjoying playing football, some of whom it is their first experience of the game and may even be the very first time they have kicked a ball.
“Thank you to everyone for all their hard work but also to everyone delivering girls football activity this week, and giving girls the opportunity to play football. As a result of the week, we hope to see girls continuing to play football in the future.”
The festival included skills and drills sessions, interactive games, mini matches and a refereeing workshop. Also on offer was a range of innovative equipment, including an inflatable pitch, speed cage, target shoot, quick feet and batak boards, plus Charlotte Lade, one of the world’s leading professional football freestylers, who throughout the day, demonstrated her amazing tricks and skills.
Jordan Reek, defender for Nottingham Forest Ladies was also on hand to discuss life as a female footballer and give advice on how to get involved in the game.
To sign up for a session during FA Girls’ Football Week visit: FAGirlsFootballWeek.com
For more information on women’s football and where to play visit www.TheFA.com/ForGirls
