GIRLS are being encouraged to play football at a Willington school where a football festival took place today. (May 21)

The event, organised by Claire Young of Parkside Sports College and the Durham Football Association, played host to more than 60 students from schools around the area.

Students aged between nine and 11 took part in mini tournaments and organisers are confident that more girls will join in football.

Alysha Cook of Durham FA said: “We have called the festival ‘Girls United’ in the hope that it gives the girls a sense of branding.”

Ms Cook is the football development officer for Durham FA and will be coaching the girls on all things football.

There is currently no all-girl football teams in the Willington area, however there is a woman’s team called the Willington Ladies.

Durham FA has organised free taster sessions for girls who want to play football starting this Tuesday (May 28) at Parkside School between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

For more information contact Ms Cook on 0191-3872928.