THE girls are taking on the boys and are proving they are a force to be reckoned with on the football pitch.

Eighteen months ago, Timperley Villa Youth Football Club had 345 boy members. Since then, 30 girls have joined.

On Monday evenings, at Blessed Thomas Holford School, the girls, aged eight to 13 are coached by two FA-certified coaches. They have already formed an Under 10s seven-a-side team in the South Manchester League.

Home matches are held at Beech Fields playing fields in Timperley.

Gary Sullivan, girls’ football team co-ordinator, said: “We hope to add more teams to the league soon.”

Imogen, nine, and Chloe, 10, had just returned from a match at Woodsend Playing Fields, Flixton.

Midfielder Imogen had scored a goal in the first five seconds in the match against Altrincham Griffins which they drew. “Football is fun,” she said.

Striker Chloe also scored against Stockport County, against whom they lost. She said: “I thought we did well as a team and got stuck in.”

Chloe’s brother, Jack, 15, is shadowing as a coach.

“A lot of our players are siblings,” said Gary. “The girls’ game is like the boys, but they are more caring. If a girl takes an injury, the others come to see if she is okay. There is less rivalry.

“Three of them have joined the under-11s boys team. Mixed playing is encouraged.

“New members get a two-week free trial to see if they like it.”

For more information, email gary.sullivan@timperleyvillafc.co.uk