More girls than ever will be given the opportunity to play football in Suffolk.

As part of plans to increase to participation in the women’s game nationally 18 new centres will open this April in Suffolk.

The wildcats centres are for girls aged 5-11 and are designed to be a fun and friendly environment in which they can take their first steps in football.

There are already four centres serving the region in Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Ipswich and Lowestoft.

Suffolk FA Girls’ and Women’s football development officers Rebecca Bolton said: “With 18 new centres beginning in April there will be possibilities all over Suffolk for girls to get involved and play more football.

East Anglian Daily Times: There are currently four Wildcat centres in Suffolk. Picture: GREGG BROWNThere are currently four Wildcat centres in Suffolk. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“It is brilliant to see so many new SSE Wildcats Centres running in Suffolk as this will really allow the Youth female game to flourish. Wildcats Centres create fun, friendly and social environments for girls to have fun with their friends.

“The centres are covering a vast amount of Suffolk so should be available for girls in all areas of the county.

“I am excited to see all the centres take off and offer more opportunities for girls in Suffolk to play football.”

One of the new Wildcat clubs is being run by Footstars at Bourne Vale in Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse encouraging girls to get involved in football. Picture: GREGG BROWNLuke Chambers and Cole Skuse encouraging girls to get involved in football. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Guy Hayes, the managing director for Footstars said: “This investment in the female game from The FA, coupled with success of the Lionesses, will really ignite girls passion for the beautiful game.

“We’re excited that Footstars have been selected to deliver an SSE Wildcats Centre, which will be a fantastic opportunity for girls to begin their love of football and increase female participation at grass roots level.

“The aim is to have fun, develop fundamental skills via a variety of sessions and lay the foundations for a lifelong love of the sport.

“We are also delighted to be a part of the Girls Football Week, supported by Disney, which offers a free taster session for the launch of our SSE Wildcats Centre on Wednesday 25th April.”

The new clubs will open their doors next month. For a full list of new clubs check the interactive map on our website.

For more information about the new clubs contact Rebecca Bolton via rebecca.bolton@suffolkfa.com or 07432735986.