An Australian primary school has come under fire after sending an email inviting only Year 4 boys to attend a football clinic.

The email suggested that girls bring board games to school while the boys took part in the sporting activity.

Parents and social media users criticised the message, saying it reinforced outdated gender stereotypes and excluded girls interested in football.

Many argued that all students should have been given the choice to join either the football clinic or board game activities.

The Western Australian Department of Education said the school also plans to hold a girls’ sports clinic later this year.

The incident has reignited a nationwide debate over gender equality and inclusiveness in Australian schools.