More and more girls playing soccer

utrecht - Football still gaining considerable popularity among girls and women. Over the past decade, the number of female members of the Football Association KNVB increased by more than 65,000 members to nearly 150,000. That is the greatest female growth of all sports federations, the Mulier Institute reported Friday.

The active football players of all ages and play not only in clubs but often in parks, squares and streets. But especially young girls stairs is increasingly loose. Of female members KNVB is now two-thirds under 18. Before 2003, just more than girls 18+ women were active in competition.

Football is the third sport among girls. Only gymnastics and hockey attract more girls. Among women running, fitness and yoga, the fastest growers.

This summer the European Championship women's football played in the Netherlands, from July 16th to August 6th. Friday play Dutch women have their first practice match against France.

The Mulier Institute is a research organization in the field of sport and policy.