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More than 200 schoolgirls will be helping to kick off the biggest ever girls football festival in the Island today.
The girls from 17 local schools will be playing at Springfield this afternoon in an event organised to encourage more of them to get into the sport and enjoy the game.
The event from 13:00 to 15:00 has been organised by the Jersey Primary School Football Association (JPSFA) and is being supported by Highlands College Jersey and the Jersey FA community team.
Jersey Primary School Football Association representative for girls Tony Hoyland said: "Primary Schools girls football has always had a strong core foundation in the Island. The format of festivals and tournaments played in the Autumn and Spring terms offers girls the opportunity to play, enjoy and develop in a safe learning environment. Furthermore the festivals, focus on the enjoyment of the game, where any mistakes become a learning journey rather than focused on the result. This festival is one of four that is run annually by the Jersey Primary Schools Football Association."
Over 100 girls from 11 schools took part in the recent Girls English Schools seven a-side Cup. Les Landes were top scorers and will go on to represent the Channel islands in the UK-based finals later in the school year.
Mr Holland said: "With the latest Jersey FA Community initiative focusing on increasing girls participation and creating opportunities amongst girls in schools that would not normally take part has risen allowing this festival to be one of the largest ever run which is brilliant for the future of Girls participation in Football. Thanks must go to the Jersey FA Community team and Highlands for their support in this festival."
Jersey FA Community Coach Girls Lucy Even, said: "Its fantastic to know that 200+ girls in school years five and six will be participating in the festival. Thank you to the Jersey Primary School Football Association for allowing us to support the event; on the day we will be passing out information and contacts for girls football opportunities within local clubs and here at the Jersey FA with a view to increasing girls participation across the Island."
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