A report from the Commons culture, media and sport select committee is to be published today, calling for greater accommodation of girls who play mixed football.

The report says the Football Association (FA) should take a lead in removing the cultural and physical barriers which prevent girls from playing football, including poor changing facilities and a current ruling which states girls and boys cannot play in mixed teams beyond the age of 11.

Women's football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, but the report says its development is being "hindered by various barriers, many of which are rooted in cultural attitudes", highlighting that there is only one woman on the 90-strong FA council and no women on the FA board.

The FA's rule on preventing mixed football above the age of 11 came under scrutiny earlier this year when 10-year-olds Minnie Cruttwell and Hannah Dale wrote to secretary of state, Tessa Jowell asking to be allowed to continue to play for their south London side, Balham Blazers, after reaching 11.

The Women's Sports Foundation has suggested that selection should be based on criteria such as weight, height and ability.