A resolution to amend The FA Rules that would extend mixed football to the under 13 age group did not receive the required number of votes for approval by The FA Shareholders at The FA’s AGM on May 19. 

Despite receiving approval from The FA Executive and FA Council, the result means that the proposal to allow girls to play in boys’ teams at the under 12s and under 13s age groups from next season (2010-11) cannot now be sanctioned.

The FA Executive will try to establish the reasons why some shareholders voted against the proposal in order to understand their concerns and to explore the possibility of revisiting the proposal in the future. 

In the meantime, female players who were hoping to continue with boys’ teams at the above age groups must now join a local girls’ football team or attend trials for a FA Girls’ Centre of Excellence to continue playing. Details of these local opportunities can be found by contacting your local County Football Association.

Dave Wilson -