This week is Schools Football Week which is an initiative by the ESFA (English Schools Football Association) designed as an opportunity for schools, teams and clubs from across England to embrace football, competitive or otherwise, and the wellbeing benefits it provides to pupils and players. It also gives teachers and coaches the tools and motivation to further discuss the benefits of football within their educational environments.
In 2021, the focus for Schools Football Week was to provide an opportunity for children to get outside, have fun and enjoy being able to play sport with their friends, after having spent so much time in isolation and lockdown. Over 100,000 school pupils in England took part in the week, and 500 schools participated. For 2022, the ESFA aims to celebrate the continued growth in girls football, and even more children and schools are getting involved this time around. 143,000 pupils are getting involved and 815 schools are running girls specific activities, compared with 491 last year.
“Schools’ Football Week provides an opportunity to showcase the importance of schools’ football in England and February 2022 will provide the next instalment of this wonderful initiative”
Mark Hignett, ESFA chairman
