Girls aged between five and 16 years from various schools across 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. 

Accredited FA coaches led the event, with East Riding County FA staff and volunteers on hand to help. The sessions included skills and drills, interactive games, mini matches and the ContiWarmUp Programme - the coaching programme endorsed by The FA.

Kirsty Leake, Women & Girls Football Development Officer at East Riding County FA said “The FA Girls’ Football Festival is a fantastic opportunity for the East Riding County FA to shine a spotlight on girl’s football. It gives us a great opportunity to promote where girls can play football as well as promoting other aspects of football including getting involved in coaching and refereeing.

The support from The FA and Continental Tyres in this event has enabled us to give girls across the county the chance to participate in a variety of fun and engaging football activities. Some pupils who are attending have little experience of football, this festival is a perfect opportunity to enthuse and inspire these girls to give football a go in a fun and enjoyable environment.”

Throughout the day, the young athletes had the opportunity to meet Emily Simpkins from Doncaster Rover Belles as well as Cauren Webb, Alice Stewart, Elisha Robinson and Emma Westmorland from Hull City Ladies F.C . They were all on hand to discuss life as a semi-professional female footballer and gave advice on how to get involved in the game, ending the festival with an inspiring question and answer session.

Festival sponsors Continental Tyres believe in the importance of grass root football, with UK Marketing Director, Guy Frobisher saying: “The FA Girls Football Festivals with Continental Tyres continues to grow year on year, giving tens of thousands of young girls from around the country the chance to get involved in the sport.  At Continental Tyres we are extremely proud that 2017 is our 7th year partnering with The FA and undoubtedly is set to be the biggest and best so far. Who knows, perhaps in a few years’ time we may see a number of our festival attendees playing for their country!”

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