FOLLOWING the success of England's Lionesses at the European championships, a Giggleswick football manager says he is confident there is a future for girls and women's soccer.
Tony Gill started the first girls team at Burley Trojans, based in Burley-in-Wharfedale, in 2004 and has stayed with them over the last almost 20 years, as they have progressed from junior to senior players.
He said: "After the recent success of the Lionesses at the European championships, Burley ladies and girls want to wish them every success and to show how we as a club are determined to build on that.
"We at the club are keen to see girls and ladies football develop and thrive and be played with a smile on their faces."
The Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 at the UEFA final held at Wembley stadium on July 31 in front of a record crowd for a Euros match - men or women - of 87,192.
Football in Burley-in-Wharfedale can be traced back to the end of the 19th century, with the Burley Trojans team first forming in 1935.
The junior team re-formed in 1985 and last year, the juniors and adult teams came together to once again form a single club - Burley Trojans FC. The club has teams in all age groups, has almost 400 players, including an 'open age men's team' and the ladies team.
Burley Trojans recently became the first club in the area to become part of the kick it out campaign which challenges racism and discrimination in football.
Mr Gill said: "As the village expands, more people will want to play football and it is wonderful to see a flourishing Ladies team as part of the club.
"The club is looking to expand and improve football facilities in the village, and eventually have all the teams playing home games in the village.
"The girl’s game is going from strength to strength with increasing numbers of girls playing for Burley Trojans. Having an active and vibrant senior ladies team for them to progress onto is fantastic for women’s football in the village.
"The ladies team is dynamic both on and off the pitch and has been supportive of the club's plans for a new clubhouse. The team recently played at Bury FC against an England fans Lionesses team and many are actively involved in coaching within the club."
To find out more about the club, visit: https://www.burleytrojansfc.co.uk/contact/
Anyone over 16 interested in joining the girls or ladies team can contact Tony Gill on 0770 9313528
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