The Isle of Wight Council sports unit has secured £8000 from Sport England to support the development of girls football across the Island.

The sports unit is now looking to form partnerships with up to eight football clubs or community organisations on the Island to establish girls only football sessions for girls aged between eight and 11.  

Small grants will be made available to clubs to assist them in setting up regular sessions as well as any additional support they may need.

Brighstone Girls Football Club was successfully established during the summer and is backed by both Brighstone Football Club and the village primary school. It is hoped its success can be repeated across the Island thanks to the new funding for the sport’s development.

The council is looking to increase the number of girls that play football on a regular basis with a view to establishing a competitive structure in early 2010. This will be in the form of a series of regular football tournaments at various locations to be called the Super Series.

These tournaments will provide the opportunity for girls to play in a structured, competitive environment and enable the clubs to compete against one another.

As well as looking for clubs and organisations, the council is interested to hear from coaches, officials and volunteers interested in supporting the development of girls football on the Island.

Cllr George Brown, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for the economy, tourism, leisure and planning said "Once established, these new clubs will provide girls on the Island with a great opportunity to develop their football skill and for some, to try a sport they have never played before.

"The council is keen to encourage young people to take part in healthy activities and I hope this funding made available from Sport England will open up the sport to more people"