Over the last couple of weeks, three County FA's have been playing their part in introducing girls to the game for the first time, as well as providing some competition for those who have been playing longer.

Around 150 girls enjoyed a day of fun at Birmingham FA's annual Girls Football Festival, held at Fox Hollies Leisure Centre.

They were joined by stars of the women's game, including FA Umbro Young Player of the Year, Eniola Aluko and England's Laura Bassett. Their Birmingham City club-mates Faye Cardin and Michelle Hickmott were also on hand to answer questions on what it is like to play in the Womens Premier League, and to represent your country.

The players wasted no time in getting involved in the fun skills sessions themselves, to the delight of the girls already taking part! The annual event is designed to offer girls aged 7-14 the chance to see what football has to offer, with the chance to find out where they can train and play regularly.

Birmingham FA's Development Team won an FA Award for their work in the girls and women's game last season, and are continuing to bring opportunities to more and more potential players. An emphasis is also put on providing role models for those who get involved - not only by giving girls access to the country's top players, but by recruiting more female coaches to work within the community.

"We were delighted with the response from the girls who took part," said Girls and Women's Football Development Officer, Laura Harvey who co-ordinated the event.

"The first step is to get across the enjoyment aspect of taking up football - it was great to see so many happy faces," she added.

"The England players got stuck in too which was brilliant, they could have inspired the next generation of England players right there and then!"

For more information on the opportunities to play, coach or support women's football, contact Birmingham FA's Development Team on 0121 682 2525. 

In Sheffield & Hallamshire, the South Yorkshire Primary Schools football tournament for girls saw Athlestan take the trophy for a second year running.

The girl's football festival began in Rotherham in 1999 and is the brain child of Julie Callaghan, who is the girl's football development officer for the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA. The Local Authorities came on board a year later to help develop, promote and support girl's football within the primary schools. Today, schools from Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster enter teams.

Back in May 2003, the regional heats took place in each of the local authority areas and a total of almost 2,000 girls from over 130 schools participated for a place in the finals. The finals were held at Sheffield United Academy, allowing the girls to play on one of the best facilities within the region.

Eight teams qualified for the finals from the regional heats; - Representing Rotherham - Flanderwell and Blackburn, representing Sheffield - Southey Green and Athlestan, representing Doncaster - Edlington Victoria and Canon Popham representing Barnsley was Darfield Upperwood and Barugh Green.

The football from the girls was outstanding and it was a mixed day full of emotion, tears and jubilation. Athlestan were victorious for the second year running and kept a clean sheet throughout the competition.

"The girls are fun to work with and just love playing football. The school and I are so very proud of them and their achievement. I hope that they continue to play as they grow up," said Miss Rachel Holmes, the girl's team manager.

This year, 2003, is the third year in which the tournament has been running and is a celebration of the growth of girl's football, not only in South Yorkshire but in England.

Any schools wishing to start a girls football programme should contact Julie Callaghan on 0114 241 4999.

In Shropshire, two-day ladies eleven a side tournament has been arranged in the county. This event takes place at Ellesmere College on Tuesday 22nd July and Wednesday 23rd July. The cost per team is ten pounds and covers the age groups 11-13, 14-16, and 16plus.

The tournament runs from 1pm to 7pm. Also taking place at the college on Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20 is a six a side competition covering age groups U10 - U13's; again this will commence at 1pm and finish at 7pm.

For further details of these events, contact Dean Rodwell on 01743-357762.