On the back of England’s storming World Cup success, more than 300 girls descended on Monk’s Walk School this week to take part in a free FA Girls’ Football Festival.
The event brought together schools from across the city and was organised through the support of the Hertfordshire 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. 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.
"If we can utilise this, women’s football has a bright future!"
Jemma Rose
Girls also chatted and enjoyed a kick-about with Jemma Rose, and Spanish World Cup stars Natalia Pablos and Vicky Losada. The players were on hand to discuss life as top-level female footballers and give advice on how to get involved in the game.
FA approved coaches led the event, with a number of FA staff and volunteers also there to help out and referee. Sessions from the FA Skills team included drills, interactive games, mini matches and the ContiWarmUp Programme - the coaching programme from Continental Tyres endorsed by the FA.
Jemma Rose said: “It’s been a great day here in Hertfordshire. The girls have got some really good skills and hopefully we will see them moving up the ranks and playing in the Women’s Super League soon.
“The World Cup has had a huge impact on these girls, they are inspired and passionate about the sport. If we can utilise this, women’s football has a bright future!”
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