The FA Tesco Girls' Football Week has been supported around the country.
England Women’s internationals, led by Captain Fara Williams, last week took the time to encourage the next generation of women footballers by attending free skills and coaching events across the country as part of The FA Tesco Girls’ Football Week.
Star players, including Sue Smith, Rachel Yankey, Casey Stoney and Jill Scott, met with hundreds of girls who attended the sessions which were organised with the help of the County FAs.
As well as meeting members of Hope Powell’s England squad, the girls, all aged under 16, were given the unique opportunity to take part in skills sessions and games, under the watchful eye of FA Tesco Skills coaches.
With activities ranging from general ball skills and target practice to a speed gun to measure power, Girls’ Football Week offered youngsters of all abilities a chance to come and find out more about playing the game.
England Women’s Captain Fara Williams commented: “It’s always good to see young girls participating in the game as, after all, they are the next generation of the England Women’s team.
“Girls’ Football Week provided girls who may not have thought about playing football before with a fantastic opportunity to have a fun introduction to the sport and provide them with the means of hopefully continuing their development in the game for years to come.”
Joining the fun was Faryl Smith, star of Britain’s Got Talent, who is also a keen footballer.
Faryl, who attended the showpiece event in Essex, added: “Girls football is really popular at the moment and the events that took place around the country last week were a brilliant way of giving girls who may not have thought about playing before a fun introduction to the game.
“I really enjoy playing football as it is a great way of keeping fit, having fun and making new friends and I’d encourage girls to get themselves involved and give it a try.”
The events, which took place from Durham to Hampshire, and Somerset to Essex, marked the inaugural Girls’ Football Week, a joint initiative between The FA and Tesco to introduce girls to the beautiful game.
The promotion aimed to allow the thousands of girls across the country who want to get involved in the game, but don’t currently know how, the chance to find their local club and start playing.
More details about Girls’ Football Week can be found at www.TheFA.com/girlsfootball.
