Today marks the launch of FA Girls’ Football Week, Monday 23 – Sunday 29 April 2018, with activities taking place across Derbyshire. The nationwide initiative will give girls aged 5 – 11 the opportunity to play football, inspired by some iconic Disney characters.

Sessions will take place across Derbyshire throughout the week at a number of locations at various times. You can view these details by downloading the file in the related documents section at the bottom of this article.

The week aims to inspire girls across all levels of ability to play football and get active, with an added sprinkle of Disney magic and storytelling. Sessions delivered by FA approved organisations will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of football, build key social skills and offer fun team-building exercises.

Girls of all ages are encouraged to sign up to Girls’ Football Week with a variety of sessions on offer.

The football resources created by The FA include Disney-inspired drills featuring strong, determined and mould-breaking characters, who take their destiny into their own hands and follow their dreams, including Rapunzel from Disney’s Tangled, Moana from Disney’s Moana, and Judy Hopps from Disney’s Zootropolis. The drills will feature in the 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.

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. 

“Girls Football Week is a great opportunity to increase the awareness of girl’s football and get more girls involved in football. It’s extremely positive to have so many Girls Football Week activities taking place in Derbyshire throughout the week and I’d encourage girls to find their local activity and give it a try!” Lauren Mellor, Derbyshire County FA.

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.”

To launch the week, Disney and The FA brought to life the stories of three aspiring players from Coalville Town Football Club in a short film, showing how they have taken inspiration on the pitch from the bold and adventurous Disney characters. You can watch the video here and you can find more information by visiting www.FAGirlsFootballWeek.com.