SCHOOL children from across North Yorkshire are being invited to take part in an FA Girls’ Football Festival at York College on Friday.

The free event, which takes place from 9.30am to 3.30pm, has been organised with the support of the North Riding County FA and will include primary and secondary school tournaments, run by York City in the Community.

Participants, who will need to be aged between five and 16 and from schools in the North Riding County FA area, will also get the opportunity to meet and play with some of the stars of the women’s game with Super League players from Sunderland and Durham in attendance.

Charlotte Lade, one of the world’s leading professional football freestylers, will be demonstrating her amazing tricks and skills, meanwhile, with the festival’s aim to encourage more girls to play football.

The fun day will be one of 25 different FA Girls’ Football Festivals held at different locations around the country this year and is designed to provide girls, both new to the game or already playing, with an exciting, interactive experience.

It will combine football with lifestyle and music and will be led by FA-approved coaches with sessions including skills and drills, interactive, mini matches and the FA’s newly-endorsed ContiWarmUp Programme.

In addition, an interactive trailer will house trophies and digital stations with other features available such as an inflatable pitch, speed cage, target shoot and quick feet and Batak boards.

Any schools interested in registering for the festival, should email donna.crowthers@northridingfa.com, which is the same address for anybody wishing to help out as a volunteer on the day.

York City in the Community also now run three girls specific development centres targeted at seven to 18-year-olds, with details of venues, costs and dates available from Ruth Brazier by phoning 01904 559508 or emailing ruth.ycfc@live.co.uk