It is continuing to be an exciting time for girls and women's football in this country. In England more girls play football than any other game, and it was confirmed last year as the number one female sport in England, boasting 4,000 women's and girls teams and more than 85,000 female players.

We would like to acknowledge the work of Cambs F.A. who, in conjunction with Cambridge United, ran the Girls' Centre of Excellence last season.

The Centre is now based at Cambridge United and managed by Andy Coles (pictured) from the Football in the Community Scheme. "The change will bring us closer to and have greater affiliation with the Boys Centre of Excellence," Coles said. "Although the two Centres will be managed separately the success of the Boys Centre and the organisation behind that success will be a valuable template for the success of the girls."

The Girls Centre of Excellence, in operation since the start of last season, is held at Coldhams Common Abbey Sports Centre on a Monday evening from 5.00 to 6.30pm with U12, U14 and U16 training. U10's training takes place at Sawston Sports Centre on a Wednesday 5.30 to 7.00pm.

Football trials are held throughout the season, the main trials taking place in September of each year. At this year's September trials more than 130 girls turned up!

All squads take part in the Eastern Region Girls Centre of Excellence League and play twice a season against: Northampton Town, Wimbledon, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Rushton & Diamonds and Norwich City.

On Saturday 18th October all squads made the journey by coach to Daventry Sports Park to play Northampton Town. To say that the teams got their Eastern League campaign off to the perfect start is an understatement with all squads showing commanding performances.

We are looking forward to hosting our first Festival of the season with matches against Wimbledon and Leicester City at Coldham's Common on Tuesday 28th October. K.O. 10.30am.

In conjunction with Cambs F.A., Active Sports has provided the county with three Girls Performance Centres. These Centres are designed to give talented young players 20 hours of qualified coaching over a 20 week period.

Performance Centres are run at:
Bar Hill all weather surface
Mondays: Under-12s - 7 - 8pm, Under-14s - 8 - 9pm

Huntington Recreation Centre all weather surface
Wednesdays: Under-12s and Under-14s - 7.30 - 8.30pm

Soham Ross Peers all weather surface
Fridays: Under-12s - 5 - 6pm

Girls from the Performance Centres may then be given a trial for a place at the Centre of Excellence.

It doesn't matter whether you've played before or not. You'll be able to find a local club with coaching sessions that are just right for you, whatever your level.

For information on how you can get involved in women's and girls' football in Cambridgeshire and the Performance Centres contact Kirsty Frior at Cambs F.A. on (01223) 576770 ext 205.