MORE THAN 300 girls descended on Stanley Park last week to take part in a free FA Girls’ Football Festival, aimed at increasing and retaining girls’ participation in the game.

The event brought together schools from across the county and was organised through the support of the Wiltshire County FA.

Girls aged between five and 16 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 those new to the game and regular players.

FA approved coaches led the event, with a number of FA staff and volunteers on hand 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.

Girls also chatted and enjoyed a kick-about with Yeovil Town Ladies players Ellie Curson and Nicky Lipscombe, who were on hand to discuss life as top level female footballers and give advice on how to get involved in the game.