SWINDON Spitfires played host to their annual fun day at South Marston Rec on Saturday, with more than 50 girls in attendance.

Despite a wet start, the sun did break through as FA Tesco skills coach Kirk McGinn took the youngsters from the under seven section through to under 11s.

This was the chance for the girls, some of whome were being introduced to football for the first time, to learn new skills as McGinn oversaw a revised version of a normal match. The girls had the opportunity to play as a team, getting to know each other and decide what their best position was.

McGinn said: “It was really good to work with a talented bunch of girls and thank you for inviting me to the Spitfires fun day.”

On the other side of the field, first team manager Paul Martin and under 16s manager Adam Wood had the rest of girls practising their shooting and passing techniques.

First team player Julia Caton took a passing, dribbling and shooting session with the youngest group of girls, who were enjoying the idea of trying to score through the holes in the specially set up goal.

Attention then turned to the match being played on the small pitch, where some of the participants were introduced to a game situation for the first time. Plenty of goals were scored and all the girls had the opportunity to try out different positions.

Spitfires chair and reserves team manager Diane George then had the older girls trying out their skills in a penalty shootout, where most found the back of the net.

At the end of the day, each girl was awarded a certificate, a medal and a special goody bag provided by the Wiltshire Football Association.

Club secretary and organiser of the fun day Bev Maull said: “This has been one of the best fun days that the club has hosted. Despite some showers, the sun broke though and all the girls have enjoyed their day.

“This fun day is not only for the girls already at the club but also provides the opportunity for new players to come along and play maybe for the first time, in a relaxed environment with professional coaches. I am pleased that Spitfires continues to support the way forward for girls’ football in Swindon.”

On Saturday Spitfires also announced that they will be supporting the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group.

This group is a parent-led charity supporting people with Down’s, their families, carers and all those with an interest in the condition in Swindon and the surrounding area.

They are an independent charity, affiliated to the National Down's Syndrome Association.

Spitfires will be hoping to raise funds for this, their chosen charity, throughout the season. For more information take a look at the charity page on the Spitfires website or visit www.swindondownsgroup.org.uk.

ANYONE interested in playing football with Swindon Spitfires should visit www.swindonspitfiresfc.co.uk or call Bev Maull on 07519952598.