FOOTBALL may have been a "man's game", but now women are breaking through - both on and off the pitch.

There are more women than ever pulling on shirts, shorts and socks, taking up the whistle and working behind the scenes.

That's certainly the case at Evesham United where 22-year-old Natasha Day is working with players at Common Road to keep them in tip-top condition.

Having obtained her degree in physiotherapy at Oxford Brookes University, the former Chipping Campden School pupil accepted the task of administering treatment on the field, while also ensuring that players at the Southern League club maintain their fitness off the park.

Natasha's - or Tash as she prefers to be called - interest in physiotherapy was sparked by a knee problem suffered by her mum and that gave her an interest at first hand.

"I was able to follow the treatment progress while also learning more about the subject and that was really where it all started," she recalled.

"The sports side of the job always interested me and fortunately I've managed to become involved in football alongside my job as a junior physiotherapist at Worcestershire Royal Hospital."

That appointment coincided with the acceptance of the job at Common Road after Tash had served her "apprenticeship" under Phil Greenway.

Tash's dad, Roger, and United chairman Jim Cockerton went to school together and that association brought the county hockey-playing physio to the attention of the Common Roaders.

"Phil taught me a lot and helped me settle into the new surroundings and I was quite surprised when the club asked me if I wanted the job "full time", she revealed.

"The first time on my own was rather daunting but the manager and players have been really supportive and I'm really enjoying it."

Dave Busst, United's manager, has even allowed his mid-season signing to bring in new ideas and he is convinced that they have helped put his side on top of the league.

"Tash has come to me with some fresh ideas and I've just let her get on with it," he admitted. "She's talked to the players about diet, introduced a cool down session after the games and also utilised the new ultra-sound machine we now have at the club."

Evesham isn't the first local club to employ female help on the sidelines. One of Tash's fellow course pupils is now physio at Hook Norton, while Stratford Town also employ two women to look after their treatment needs.

"Of the 36 people on the course, only six were men," Tash said. "The majority of injuries are lower limb problems and that suits me although I've obviously got to ensure that I have knowledge of injuries to other parts of the body."

Tash said the players had easily accepted her as part of the team - a team that is hoping to get its hands on the Division One West championship trophy.