FOOTBALL drills and hair braiding became unlikely bedfellows during the FA Girls’ Football Festival at York College.

More than 300 young girls aged between seven and 15 from primary and secondary schools in York attended the day which was set up to encourage girls to become more active in football by combining kick-abouts with lifestyle and music activities.

Gordon Staniforth, coordinator of the York College Girls Football Development Centre, hailed a fantastic day for the participants as well as the venue.

“This massive event gave girls from all over the city a chance to have a go at all things footballrelated,” said Staniforth.

“Everyone had a great time and was inspired to play the game.

“It also provided the college with a great opportunity to inform local girls about our commitment to girls’ football and I hope many of them will be inspired to come and play with us here at York College.”

The York festival was one of 25 run across the country between March and September as part of an FA joint-venture with Continental Tyres.

The day’s activities included skills, drills, interactive games, mini-matches inside an inflatable pitch and carnival events such as face painting and hair braiding.

The Football League Trust also used the event to help launch their Female Football Development Programme with York City FC.

Joining the FA-approved coaches running the session on the day were a selection of stars from the Women’s Super League, the WSL mascot Berry the Bear and York City mascot Yorkie the Lion.

Also on hand to coordinate the event were footballers Caroline Dixon and Jennifer King, of Durham Wildcats, Rebekah Bass and Rachel Laws, from Sunderland AFC and Naomi Chadwick, of Doncaster Rover Belles.

Former York College student Bass was very impressed with the advancement in opportunities for girls to play football in the community.

She added: “Women’s football is on the up; all the girls look like they are enjoying themselves and it’s been a really good day for me.”

Polly Fildes, Women’s Football National Project Officer for theFA, believes such events are what is helping the FA make big steps in changing attitudes towards women’s sport.

“Holding these events shows the emphasis and commitment the FA puts into getting the message out there that football isn’t just for boys,” said Fildes.

“Our main aim is to get girls interested and playing.”