FFF focus on women's football recruitment

The French Football Federation (FFF) has launched an unprecedented recruitment drive to help women take part in the game as players, referees, coaches and administrators.

At the heart of the campaign is a microsite linked to the federation website fff.fr which offers practical advice and provides online opportunities to female football enthusiasts eager to get involved.

"This awareness campaign forms part of the federation's efforts to promote the role of women in football," said FFF communications director Pierre-Jean Golven. "There are two objectives: to develop women's football and to give women their rightful place as administrators, referees and coaches."

The programme is being fronted by actress and model Adriana Karembeu, the wife of Christian Karembeu, and the website is also accessible through those of the leagues and district associations.

"Women's football is suffering from a lack of publicity," said Karembeu. "It has existed for years and many people are now fighting for it to break through. It is an honour to be chosen to help people discover this treasure – it is the most popular team sport in Germany, the United States and Scandinavia, so why not France?"

Promotional kits containing posters, stickers, postcards and a life-size cutout of the ambassador herself have been sent to all women's first and second division clubs as well as to the leagues and district associations. A DVD is also being prepared.

In addition, a partnership has been agreed with the women's magazine website aufeminin.com which is devoting a section to female football, comprising promotional images, articles, surveys, a competition and interviews with various football personalities and professionals.