The FA Girls’ Football Festivals are a joint initiative by The FA and Continental Tyres. They provide girls aged 5 to 16 with an exciting, interactive football experience whether they are brand new to the game or a regular player. The festivals aim to increase participation in youth female football by creating football opportunities that are informative and engaging for girls, as well as increasing awareness of the female game.

The events, organised with the support of County FAs are free for schools to attend, and are open to girls from primary and secondary schools. The 2017 Festivals will once again visit a number of locations around the country between June and November.

Participants will have the chance to play alongside some of the stars of women’s football, as players from The FA Women's Super League spend time meeting, signing autographs and having a kick-about with the girls.

In addition, Charlotte Lade, one of the world’s leading professional football freestylers, is often on hand to demonstrate her amazing football tricks and skills.

Each festival is led by FA approved coaches and includes fun football sessions delivered by the FA Skills team. The girls then try out some mini matches as well as refereeing, football freestyle and goal keeping workshops. This is all in addition to them having fun in the inflatable pitch, speed cage and target shoot areas.

With a fun and interactive format, which combines football, lifestyle and music, over the past five years, The FA Girls’ Football Festivals in association with Continental Tyres have attracted over 44,000 girls across 127 events.

September 2017 saw girls aged between 5 and 16 years from various schools within Staffordshire test their skills in a range of activities combining football, fun and music. Pupils, teachers and parents were all in attendance and have already started organising trips to see the SSE Women's FA Cup Final at Wembley next May! Teacher Cheryl Walker said said "Thank you so much, we had a wonderful time. The girls came in to school yesterday telling everyone about their day, which is great."

A year 10 student added "I can honestly say its been the highlight of high school. I’d love to attend another and possibly maybe even help out if I’m at college."

Throughout the day, the young athletes had the opportunity to meet a handful of players from Stoke City Ladies, including captain Meg Bowyer. Steve Appleton, Head Coach at Stoke City Ladies was also in attendance . The players were on hand to discuss life as a semi-professional female footballer and give advice on how to get involved in the game, ending the festival with an inspiring question and answer session.