A million girls try to bend it like Beckham

Women's football is enjoying a huge boom in popularity in England, with nearly one-and-a-half million girls taking to the pitch every week, new figures revealed today.

Research commissioned by the Football Association has found that 1.4 million girls aged between seven and 15 take part in some footballing activity.

Last season women's football became the most popular female sport in England, overtaking netball.

The profile of women's football was highlighted by the success of hit movie Bend It Like Beckham - starring Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra - which has had rave reviews in the US.

The FA is re-launching its Get Involved campaign to help girls enjoy the game: ring 0845 310 8555 for a pack.