Despite having some 15 junior teams in Pillgwenlly, Newport, all 15 of them are boys only. So while junior boys have always been well catered for in the area, opportunities for girls have fallen short.

But all that is set to change now a group of 20 enthusiastic young girls have been given the opportunity to play the game on a regular basis.

With support from the Sports Development team at Newport City Council, and aided by a Community Chest contribution from the Sports Council for Wales to the tune of £750, Pill Girls Football Club has now officially been established.

Three parents have so far qualified for the Football Association of Wales (FAW) leader’s awards to help the club along. With extra funds available, more parents will also be up-skilled and given all the information they need to run a football club.

The remainder of the cash will be spent on first aid and child welfare training and equipment, including mini-goals, balls and bibs.

Jayne Lewis, Secretary at Pill Girls Football Club said: "We had so many young girls interested in playing the game so we’re thrilled to now be able to offer them the same opportunity the boys from the area have. The investment from the Sports Council meant we were able to establish the girls into a structured club in their own right."

Philip Carling from the Sports Council for Wales added: "From April Newport will have a £56,250 Community Chest budget to spend in the county. We’re urging more projects to come forward and claim their stake. As long as it’s about getting more people more physically active, your group or club could be eligible for an award. And as the Pill Girls Football Club have shown, even a small investment can make a big difference."

For more information on Pill Girls Football Club and to find out how you can get involved, please contact Norman Parcell on 01633 263719.

For more information on Community Chest and how you can apply for a grant, please contact Kerry Griffiths at Newport City Council 01633 671801.