Laura Bassett surprised some talented youngsters at Bedford Modern School to launch Girls’ Football Week.
Taking place from 23-29 April, the nationwide initiative will give girls aged 5-11 the opportunity to play football, inspired by some iconic Disney characters.
Bassett, who has 61 caps for England, attended a Girls’ Football Week event at Bedford Modern where she met the girls taking part and joined in with coaching sessions.
She said: “Having played football from a young age, it’s great to see just how many opportunities there are now for young girls to get involved in the game.
“It’s a brilliant way for girls who perhaps haven’t played football before to step out of their comfort zone and give the game a go.
“If you know a girl who might be interested make sure she gets down to a Girls’ Football Week event this week.”
Girls’ Football Week aims to inspire females of all ages and ability levels to play the game and get active, with an added sprinkle of Disney magic and storytelling.
Sessions led by FA-qualified coaches will take place across the country and provide an introduction to the fundamentals of football, build key social skills and offer fun team-building exercises.
Resources created by The FA include Disney-inspired drills featuring strong, determined and mould-breaking characters, including Rapunzel from Disney’s Tangled, Moana from Disney’s Moana, and Judy Hopps from Disney’s Zootropolis.
The drills will feature in packs being distributed to schools, clubs and homes, aiming to inspire girls to try football, meet new friends and stay active, as well as to empower girls and build their self-confidence.
Kelly Simmons, FA participation and development director, added: “Girls’ Football Week is focused on inspiring a new generation of girls to get active and fall in love with football.
“Football can offer these girls so much; from sheer enjoyment, to encouraging a healthy lifestyle and making friends.
“Girls’ Football Week is a central part of our plans, via the Gameplan for Growth, to double the number of females playing the game by 2020.”
As well as getting the chance to play, girls who sign-up to take part will be provided with an official FA and Disney participation certificate and a 20 per cent discount voucher to use in Disney stores.
Players: To take part in Girls’ Football Week visit TheFA.com/GirlsFootballWeek
Organisers: To host an event for Girls’ Football Week visit FAGirlsFootballWeek.com
