MPs back mixed-sex football calls

Minnie Cruttwell wrote to Tessa Jowell complaining about the rules

Girls should be allowed to play football alongside boys past the age of 11, MPs have concluded.

Football Association (FA) rules mean teams are split into separate sexes once players are over the age of 11.

The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee urged the FA to change the rules after receiving evidence that it was a barrier to girls' development.

In March south London player Minnie Cruttwell, 10, met FA officials and MP Tessa Jowell to bring about a change.

Minnie, who played for Battersea Youth Centre and the Balham Blazers, was angry at the prospect of leaving behind team mates once she turned 11.

Women's football still suffers from both cultural and practical barriers which make it hard for them to continue to play Committee chairman, John Whittingdale

The meeting was arranged after she wrote to Tessa Jowell complaining about what she said were "sexist" rules.

The MPs' recommendation came in a report which called for more to be done to promote the women's game.

The committee suggested that the age ban be removed and selection be based on an assessment of an individual's ability.

It also recommended that a female summer league and a home nations championship could be set up to raise the profile of women's football.

"Women's football needs to carve a niche for itself and establish its own territory where it can shine and attract support," it said.

Encouraging climate

The cross-party committee praised the FA for its efforts in women's football over the last decade but said it could be doing more.

It also urged professional clubs to share training pitches, facilities and grounds with top women's teams.

Committee chairman, John Whittingdale said: "Despite being enjoyed by millions, women's football still suffers from both cultural and practical barriers which make it hard for them to continue to play.

"We've got the ability and the commitment among young people, what we need is a path for those young players to develop their skills in a more encouraging climate."