Search is on for girl players

FOOTIE mad girls and women in Sturminster Newton are being sought in a bid to up numbers of the fairer sex involved in the sport.

Welfare officer Leon Jennings of Sturminster Newton United FC wants to form a team for seven to 11 year olds, and he is seeking four people, preferably women, to sign up for a coaching course.

He is supported by Claire Nicholls, the Dorset Football Association's head of ladies' and girls' football development.

Mr Jennings was inspired to encourage women into football by a family member who died last year. As a 19-year-old she represented England Ladies. He said: " It incenses me that we have got half a dozen boys' teams here at Sturminster Newton, but we haven't got a single girls' team.

"We have younger girls playing with the boys, but one of them playing for the under-11s will have to give up next year.

"But I also want to train up four people, who may be new or returning to coaching, by seeking grant funding for them to go on a course and get qualified, which will mean an 18-month commitment."

A series of training sessions for girls will be kicking off on Saturday at Barnets Field. Anyone interested in playing should call 07883 348104.