Footy4Girls is the area’s only all girl, multi age training group.

Initially started up in 2012 for 7-11 year old girls looking to learn new skills and develop existing ones in a fun environment, it took several months to take off and, with the support of Test Valley Borough Council, the group were able to get local schools on board to help boost numbers.

Now the club has ten girls representing Test Valley at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight games. Numbers have increased up to around 30, with the older girls moving on to play competitive football in the Winchester and District Girls League this season.

The group are always looking for more girls to join the group and hopefully within three to five years will have a “conveyor belt” of girls’ football teams to compete with the other well established set ups in the south. The group also have the benefit of being assisted by local U15 player Tia Dewhurst and current Hampshire centre of excellence U15 player Kate Wiseman, both of whom can relate well with the youngsters and offer good advice.

This is also a good opportunity for the pair to further develop their own leadership skills prior to taking coaching qualifications in the near future.

Any school year three to six girls who are interested in joining should contact 01264 394443 or e mail footy4girls@live.com (Simon Dewhurst).