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Sunday, April 12, 2026

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Festival to inspire next generation in Tendring

Girls aged 7-11 across Tendring are being invited to take their first steps into football at an exciting free Wildcats Festival and Girls’ Tournament at Clacton Leisure Centre.

Taking place on Saturday 11th April (11:00am-1:00pm), the festival promises a fun, inclusive introduction to the game. The event will combine interactive Wildcats sessions with friendly fixtures, all delivered by qualified coaches in a safe and welcoming environment.

The initiative forms part of Essex County FA’s ongoing #MovingForward Strategy 2028 commitment to growing the girls’ game and creating more opportunities for young players in the foundation phase of the Female Player Pathway. Local insight from clubs and schools has highlighted a need for increased girls’ football provision in Tendring, and this festival is a key step towards building a stronger, sustainable pathway in the area.

Players of all abilities are encouraged to attend - whether they are completely new to football or they’re already developing their skills. The session is designed to be fun, pressure-free and accessible, giving every participant the chance to enjoy the game and build confidence.

Jason Levy, Essex County FA Community & Club Officer, explained: “There is a real appetite across Tendring to grow opportunities for women and girls in football. From clubs and schools to volunteers and coaches, everyone recognises the importance of creating accessible pathways for young players. This festival is about bringing partners together, breaking down barriers to participation, and ensuring girls have the chance to play, develop and enjoy football locally.”

The Wildcats programme provides non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age. Most importantly, Wildcats is all about having fun and meeting new friends.

The long-term ambition is to see more grassroots clubs in Tendring offering Wildcats sessions, helping girls to progress into regular football. This festival is completely free to attend, making it the perfect opportunity for girls to try football for the first time or continue their journey in the game. To secure a place, visit www.essexfa.com or E-Mail harry.moreton@essexfa.com.