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Play the top female sportBy Alan Wilson. Tuesday, 17 August 2004.
The FA offers a range of resources to develop football. Today we look at how you can get involved in the game by focusing on.... women's football.
Football is the top female sport in England and in the 2003-04 season the number of players hit the 100,000 mark!
There are now 101,000 girls and women playing regular 11-a-side football in England and with Euro 2005 coming to England next summer, there's never been a better time to get involved.
Charlton Athletic are the current holders of the Women's FA Cup, defeating Fulham 1-0 at the Valley earlier this year, and their summer signing, England midfielder Katie Chapman, believes it is the perfect season to try out the sport.
 Chapman said: "I got involved through playing with the boys at Primary School and when I was ten I joined the Millwall Lionesses.
I've always played football and I think now is a great time for girls out there to get involved, because women's football has become the Number One female sport."
Research has shown that girls who want to play sport, want to play football - but many are put off by the thought of starting out.
Others have played in the past and are unsure about getting back into the game.
But just because you didn't play when you were young, or haven't played for a long time, doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the opportunity now.
There are more than 1,000 women's teams across England, playing 11-a-side competitive football every week throughout the August-May season and a massive 6,209 girls’ teams!
As well as helping you to become fit and healthy, you can enjoy participating in a competitive team atmosphere and make some good friends along the way.
 The rules are simple, the game is fun and how good a player you become will depend on how much you practice. But one session with a qualified coach will put you on the right track.
And it's cheap to get involved too - one of the reasons why football is enjoyed around the world is because the equipment needed is so basic.
You will need football boots and shinpads, and when joining a team they will have a kit that you may have to contribute to - but that's it!
So what should you do to get involved? Well, there are probably loads of teams in your local area who are calling out for more players.
Check out your local county’s page to find out details of courses, competitions and festivals if you’re under 16 years old.
Click on the links below to find a festival near you or find out contact details for your local county association, who can tell you how to find a club near you.
GET INVOLVED - YOUR GUIDE
The FA is responsible for the governance and development of football in England, and core to its work is the belief that everyone should have the chance to be involved in the national game.
In 2001, The FA launched a five-year Football Development Strategy to develop our national game, seeking to shape and develop innovative programmes to support and develop young people, teachers, coaches, leaders and parents.
The FA also recognises that sedentary lifestyles and obesity are a problem for this country, and is committed to working with the government and other partners to promote healthy lifestyles, and to use the power of football to achieve this wherever possible.
GET INVOLVED - Your guide on how to play your part
PLAY THE TOP FEMALE SPORT
17 August 2004
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