The day of skills and prize presentations at Otley Town FC, marks the completion of an innovative partnership led by St Mary’s Comprehensive, Menston, to promote girls football in the area.

Leeds Utd Striker Lucy Ward dropped in as guest of honour to present the trophies and kindly spent time talking to the girls.

The partnership with the West Riding County FA (WRCFA), Otley-based football education company Sensible Soccer and four local clubs - Otley Town, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Menston Hotshots and Guiseley Juniors - is set to create four brand new under-ten all-girl squads.

The Festival is the end product of a new exciting project created by the recently formed Junior Football Development group. WRCFA funding has seen 18 local Primary Schools receive four school-based coaching sessions, a free resource-pack, the opportunity to attend five club-based festivals and attend the showcase festival hosted by Otley Town FC.

The individual school sessions, led by Nicky Wilce from ‘Sensible Soccer Coaching and Education’, have covered aspects such as female role models, skill development and game play. Over 360 girls from Years 4, 5 and 6 have been involved and have improved their skills and overall interest.

Richard Chattoe, Partnership Development Manager believes the project has been an enormous success and a result of clubs, schools and coaches working together. He notes: "I am delighted that four local clubs have come together to create a project for girls in their local community.

"We are all hopeful that the girls have really enjoyed the sessions and festivals and will want to carry on playing at their link club.

All four clubs deserve great credit for their efforts in providing such a positive and friendly environment for girls; the project will hopefully see the creation of four new Under-10 teams.

This is evidence of a School Sport Partnership, clubs, NGBs and a Coaching Company working together to make a big impact. The expertise and tireless work of Sensible Soccer has been fantastic and really generated an interest in girls football."