Buddy health and fitness duo, Twice the Health, and England Women’s forward Nikita Parris are calling on students across the country to #JoinOurSquad this FA Girls’ Football Week, 6 – 12 November 2017.

The FA Girls’ Football Week is a national campaign with activities taking place at colleges and universities throughout the week. It aims to encourage girls of all experience and ability to take part in football and use the sport as a fun and sociable way to stay active – as well as an opportunity to find a new squad of friends.

To find an activity near you visit www.fagirlsfootballweek.com.

Twice the Health teamed up with England star and Liverpool John Moores student Nikita Parris at her university to take part in a series of Girls’ Football Week activities to see what it was all about.

The pair, nutritionist Emily and PT Hannah, met at Cardiff University and share a passion for keeping fit through buddy exercises. You can see how they got on here.

Participants in Girls’ Football Week are encouraged to share their experiences by sharing a ‘squad selfie’ using #JoinOurSquad to stand a chance of winning prizes.

Hannah, Twice the Health, said: “Our training session with Nikita really opened our eyes to how much fun football can be, even as first timers. We loved the session and the fitness benefits of football are obvious. It’s also a great way to meet new people and exercise as a group, the perfect opportunity to find a new squad.”

Emily, Twice the Health, said: “We’d encourage anyone thinking about attending a Girls’ Football Week session to give it a go and be sure to share your squad’s footy experiences!”

Nikita Parris, said: “I couldn’t believe how much the girls improved over the session, the more fun we had, the more I noticed the girls’ confidence growing. It was great to hear how much they all enjoyed the training session and that they would all be keen to play again.”

Kelly Simmons, FA Participation and Development Director, said: “What we want to see is more females of all ages playing the game and we have set ourselves the target of doubling participation by 2020 via our Gameplan for Growth strategy. At the very heart of The FA Girls’ Football Week is giving girls throughout the country the chance to try football, have some fun, keep fit and make a new group of friends. Hopefully girls who don’t play the game regularly, will enjoy the sessions and be inspired to take up the game in the future.”

Report courtesy of the FA via Pitch