Last season the number of girls and women playing in football leagues or cup competitions peaked at 130,000. There are over 8,000 girls’ teams across England, playing 11-a-side competitive football every week throughout the August-May season. If you are too young or just don’t feel you want to leap straight into a competitive league, there will be kick-start introduction courses taking place in your county. It doesn’t matter if you are ready to take the first step in the summer or halfway through the season, new players are always welcomed.

The rules are simple, the game is fun and how good a player you could be 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 and a pitch that you may have to contribute to - but that's it!

So what should you do to get involved? Well, there will be 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.

If you want to find a suitable club near you, follow the link below and call your local County Football Association to find out details of courses. The FA is funding football development officers in each county whose responsibility is to develop opportunities for girls and women to play the game. Remember they are there to help you out and make sure you ask them for your free A More Beautiful Game postcard.