Festival hailed as a success

LOUGHBOROUGH University welcomed 210 girls to take part in a free FA Girls’ Football Festival on Tuesday, November 8, aimed at increasing and retaining girls’ participation in the game.

Girls aged between five and 16 years, from various schools across the county 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 said: “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.”

Tuesday’s festival included skills and drills sessions, interactive games, mini matches and a refereeing workshop.