PUPILS at a girl’s school have kicked off a new partnership with the FA to encourage more girls to take up football.

Eden Girls’ School, in Bath Road, Slough, pictured, celebrated the announcement during the FA’s annual Girls’ Football Week, offering their students daily football taster sessions to help boost their skills. Sessions included instructions on the basics of dribbling, passing, and shooting, with the students then taking part in a mini-football tournament.

Head of PE, Emma Seabridge, said: “Our pupils were really enthusiastic about getting involved in our football skills building sessions during Girls’ Football Week.

“Through the FA’s programme, we will equip our pupils with the sport leadership skills to drive our team forward and build on its success.”

The programme also gives girls the opportunity to build management and leadership skills, so they can help with off-the-pitch roles such as becoming a coach or an events manager.

Year 8 pupil Fathma Siddiqui said: “It was a very inspiring week, and encouraged me to play a lot more football. I really enjoyed the shoot-out and obstacle course.”

“The activities helped me to play a lot better in our football tournament, also building my self-confidence. It was nice to see more students get involved in football during the week.”

Kate Hebden, head of the Tauheedul Education Trust’s Pupil Leadership Specialism, said: “We aim to empower our female pupils to get involved in the sport both on and off the pitch.

“The FA’s aim is also to inspire more young women to consider careers in football.”