270 girls descended on The County Ground in Dorset today to take part in a free FA Girls’ Football Festival, aimed at increasing and retaining girls’ participation in the game. The festivals are a joint initiative by The FA and Continental Tyres, providing an exciting, interactive football experience for both those new to the game and regular players.

The FA Girls’ Football Festival brought together schools from across the city and was organised through the support of the Dorset County FA. Girls aged between five and 16 years from various schools in the county were invited to test their skills in a range of activities combining football, fun and music.

FA approved coaches led the event, with a number of FA staff and volunteers also there to help out on the day. Sessions from The FA Skills team included drills, interactive games and mini matches.

Caroline Hulme, National Women’s Football Project Manager at The FA commented “It is fantastic to see so many young girls enjoying playing football here today in Dorset, some of whom it is their first experience of the game and may even be the very first time they have kicked a ball. Thank you to the Dorset County FA for all the hard work they have put in leading up to the event to ensure girls in the County have the opportunity to play.”

“As a result of today, we hope to see these girls continuing to play football in the future. A huge thank you must go to our sponsor Continental Tyres who have given over 6,500 girls the opportunity to try out football this year, helping us support The FA’s aim to double female participation by 2020!”

Girls also had the amazing opportunity to talk to Nicola Cousins and Chloe Melton from Yeovil Town Ladies. They ended the festival with a great question and answer session, to inspire the young girls, as well as give an insight on the many pathways and opportunities there are in order to get into football. 

In addition to the two local FA WSL stars, Charlotte Lade, one of the world’s leading professional football freestylers, who throughout the day, demonstrated her amazing tricks.

For more information on women’s football and where to play visit www.TheFA.com/ForGirls