AS the England women’s World Cup squad fly out to Canada, girls in Dorset were given the opportunity to get into the spirit of the competition.

The Dorset FA delivered two girls’ World Cup themed festivals at the Blandford School and Redlands.

The festivals were organised with the intention to support and develop girls’ football between the ages of eight and 12 with more than 120 girls taking part in the festival.

In the Weymouth girls’ event, which was for girls in school Years Three and Four, they participated in a five-a-side competition, where there was some fantastic football on display.

Redlands FC, an FA Charter Standard Club, kindly supported this event to showcase opportunities where aspiring footballers can continue their involvement in the game.

The Blandford festival, which comprised of 12 different schools with students from Years Five, Six, Seven and Eight, was staged alongside an FA Skills session, which catered for 10 to 11-year-olds. this taster session gave the girls an opportunity to take part with one of the Dorset FA Skills coaches.

Additionally, Dorset Youth Council member, Oli Powell delivered a fun and interactive coaching session for children in Years Seven and Eight to allow girls to experience the FA Vauxhall Mash Up programme.

Football Mash Up is basically a relaxed kick-about overseen by an FA coach, who will ensure that the sessions are fun and sociable.

Another Dorset Youth Council member, Emily Dancer, also delivered a blind football session to raise awareness of the Blind European Football Championships, which are set to kick off in August in Hereford.

Rosie Eggleston, from the Dorset FA, said: “On two of the hottest days of the year it has been absolutely fantastic to see so many girls aged eight to 12 participating in football, most for the first time.”

For more information about getting involved in girls’ football, contact Dorset Football Association on 01202 682375 or you can also email the association at Development@DorsetFA.com