THE FOOTBALL season will start early this year for aspiring female soccer stars with two free fun days for young girls.

The sessions of warm ups, shooting, dribbling and team games organised by Seagulls charity Albion in the Community will be run by qualified coaches and include mini workshops in areas of health, nutrition and physical activity.

American Express, which sponsors the event, will have employees on hand to support the programme as assistant coaches and match officials.

The sessions are part of the Girls’ Football initiative which was set up to encourage more girls in the region to play football.

The events will run from 9.45am to 3pm on Tuesday, August 2 at Hassocks Sports Centre, Dale Avenue, Hassocks and on Tuesday, August 16, at the Community Pitch at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, Lancing.

Places are free but limited, and open to girls across Sussex aged six to 13, regardless of whether they have played football before. For more information or to pre-book a place email development@albioninthecommunity.org.uk or call 01273 878277.