First of these regular events will take place in Bristol on 15 February.
Next Wednesday (15 February) sees the start of The FA’s 2012 Girls’ Football Festivals, a free programme aimed at encouraging girls to participate in football. The first festival takes place at the Wise Campus, Filton College, in Bristol from midday-4pm.
The programme is a joint initiative by The FA Women’s Super League (WSL), its lead partner Continental Tyres, Sport England and UEFA.
The FA Girls’ Football Festivals will visit various venues up and down the country over the coming months providing girls aged 5-17 with an exciting, interactive football experience. The festival offers something for everyone and is inclusive to all levels of ability, from youngsters enjoying their first involvement with football to regular players.
The programme will see informal, lively, festival style events which combine football, lifestyle and music to encourage girls to get involved. Those attending will also get the chance to play with the stars of the game as members of the England squad and FA WSL stars will also be at every event to meet, chat and have a kick-about with the girls.
Activities include interactive games and competitions, the 'ContiWarmUp' programme, skills and drills with FA-approved coaches, mini matches and prizes, goodies and give-aways for all.
Indoor domes will house trophies and digital stations to entertain participants when they need a break from playing, as well as parents, who will be catered for with indoor food and drink areas to relax in.
Kelly Simmons, The FA Head of National Game, said: “The FA Girls’ Football Festival is a fantastic platform for girls of all abilities to develop their skills and understanding of the game in a fun, friendly and engaging way.
"We want more girls up and down the country playing football and learning in an enjoyable environment, and we look forward to seeing them come along and have a great day with us.
“We would also like to thank our partners in the programme; we are delighted to be working with Continental Tyres, Sport England and UEFA to be able to take this festival across the country and engage so many girls over coming months.”
With football now the number one female team participation sport in England, the aim of the festivals is to provide as many girls as possible with, first and foremost, a fun experience but to also ignite an interest in the game that they will be able to develop through their local schools, clubs and County FAs.
“We are delighted to be supporting this latest initiative from The FA to promote the girls' game in England,” said Tim Bailey, Head of Sponsorship at Continental.
“It is a natural extension to our existing commitment to women’s football through our continued support of The FA WSL and the WSL Continental Cup. The FA Girls’ Festival is key to ensuring continued growth in the sport amongst youngsters and is something we are proud to be a part of.”
For more information please visit: www.TheFA.com/GirlsFootball
