The week, which is promoted nationally, is designed to get young girls interested in football through a range of games and activities.
This year’s event was backed by global giant Disney as well as a number of England internationals including Lioness and former Notts County Ladies defender Laura Bassett.
To mark the week Colchester United’s charity partner Football in the Community held a series of events for female footballers.
Rebecca Edwards, women’s & girls coordinator at Colchester United Football in the Community said: “We have held events throughout the week here at Colchester United Football in the Community, delivering football sessions to over 250 females ranging from 5 year olds all the way through to 41.
“It has been a great week and we are lucky to have had the backing of The FA and to have worked in partnership with Disney to run a really fun and exciting event.
“The girls have had great fun - lots said they have made new friends this week and are excited to play more football.”
Around 100 girls were expected to play in the event at the Shrub End Community and Sports Centre.
Louise Hobson from Mersea School said: “I don’t normally play football but I tried out for the girls team and was really happy to get in.
“The festival was really good, we had lots of games and it was fun dancing when we scored!”
Colchester United’s Female College team helped to run the event.
Captain Mia Claydon said: “It has been a fantastic week and really good to see the opportunity young girls are getting now to play girls only football and the chance for them to progress professionally.”
Vice captain Amber Long added: “I am inspired by the amount of young girls taking part this week, as when I was younger I had to join a mixed team and felt uncomfortable being the only girl in the team.
“It has given me great hope for the future of the women’s game.”
In 2017 the FA pledged to double the number of registered girls teams as well as double the attendance of both domestic and international games by 2020.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here