A WYRE Forest girls football club are playing their part in helping the women's game become Britain's fastest growing sport by going from strength to strength.

Ferndale Girls (pictured above) are now hoping to continue their rapid progress by recruiting new players in the eight to 12-years age groups.

The FA charter club started with one team in 1999 and last season fielded six teams from under-11s to under-16s in the Stourport & District, the Mercian and Shropshire Girls' Leagues.

Between them they won three league titles and five out of seven cup finals.

They work closely with Kidderminster Harriers Centre of Excellence and last year an under-14 goalkeeper was called up for England trials.

Although the season finished in May, around 40 girls aged from eight to 16 still train with FA qualified coaches every Tuesday from 6pm until 7.30pm at the Mill Lane Ground in Wolverley.

Club spokesman Paul Lacey said: "The popularity of women's football is on the rise after a wonderful display by England in the recent Women's European championship.

"Football is the most popular girls' sport, and many Kidderminster girls may be asking how do they start.

"The answer is on the doorstep. Ferndale is all about development and players of all skill levels are welcome at our turn up and play sessions."

The club is sponsored by R & J Mesh and James Construction. For more details visit the club's website at www.ferndale-girls-football.co.uk