Football is already the biggest team sport for girls in England. It's fun, keeps you fit and is a great way to make new friends.
So whether you want to play, are a parent who wants to find out more about girls’ football, or are a club looking for new players this is the the week for you.
Tesco will be using its stores to promote nine regional events.Although the nearest event is in Somerset, clubs are being encouraged to hold open days and training sessions during the same week, so girls can sign up to play football for next season, 2009-10.
England women’s international players will attend regional events, along with national team Head Coach Hope Powell: “Women’s and girls’ football is the no.1 female team sport in the country but we need to bring through the next generation of players, and the Girls’ Football Week is a vital component in this work. To any girl who’s not played the game before, the main message is ‘just come and give it a go. Until you do, you won’t realise how much fun football can be.”
Tesco is in its third year of supporting The FA’s efforts to develop girls’ football – and also partner the hugely-successful FA Tesco Skills programme, aimed at five to 11-year-old children.
The week has the full backing of The FA’s Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking: “We published a four-year development strategy for women’s and girls’ football towards the end of last year, and there is a now an excellent national infrastructure in place to get girls into football – and then develop a pathway for them, so they can maximise their potential.
"The Girls’ Football Week is one of many ways we are taking the game to a new audience. Who knows, some of the girls who take part may one day be at the same stage as Hope Powell’s current team – preparing to play in the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 in Finland later this year.”
Women's Football is the biggest female team participation sport in the country, with over 1.35 million playing recreational football, of which more than 150,000 are playing in affiliated school and club teams.
There are currently three leagues in Cornwall which incorporate girls' divisions; East Cornwall Youth, Kernow Youth, plus Cornwall Under-16 Girls. Teams range from Penzance to Bude and St.Agnes to Liskeard.
For all those 16 and over, there is the Cornwall Women's League, which has about 16 teams in it. Above and beyond this, there are several Cornish sides who have progressed into the South West Regional and Combination Leagues.
Many sides will be entering summer tournaments and soon starting pre-season training, ahead of the new campaign in September. To be put in touch with your nearest girls' or women's teams, email Warren Parker, Cornwall FA's Women and Girls Football Development Officer or phone 01726 74080.
Alternatively, use the 'Find a Club' facility on the right.
With thanks to Wilf Frith from Cornwall Women's League.
The photos are from The FA's Cornwall Girls' Centre of Excellence.