A FOOTBALL coach wants to encourage more young girls to take part in the sport.

The Football Association recently approved a bid for Essex Professional Coaching to to start a new girls’ football centre in the town.

Director Adam Hampson said: “The aim of the SSE Wildcats football centres is to offer all girls the opportunity to try football, make friends and get active in a fun and safe environment.”

The centre is hosting an opening night on Wednesday, April 24, between 5pm and 6pm on the artificial pitch at Halstead Leisure Centre.

The event is free for all girls aged between five and 11 who would like to get involved.

Sessions will take place on a weekly basis, helping young footballers to develop basic skills and a lifelong love of the game.

For more information, or to book your daughter on to the sessions, visit essexprofessionalcoaching.co.uk/event/halstead-sse-wildcats-centre.