GIRL power is growing in Crewe and Nantwich.

A girls-only football tournament, aimed at encouraging the fairer sex to take up the beautiful game, has proved a remarkable success.

The Crewe And Nantwich High School Girls League was launched last year, and extended to include Year 9 pupils this time around, in addition to Year 8 and Year 7 youngsters.

Now organisers are confident the rising demand will soar again next year, to allow a Year 10 league to be formed.

Niall McGregor, of Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's sports development team, explained: 'The idea of this league is to provide fun and competitive opportunities for high school girls to take part in football.

'It was bigger this year than last, and next season the league looks to expand again to include Year 10. The growth in this league reflects the growing interest nationally, and we are keen to support this.'

'This season has seen many girls taking part and showing their enthusiasm and footballing ability. It would be great to see them continue their participation in football by joining the local club, Crewe and Nantwich Girls FC.'

The small-sided league games, also co-ordinated by the Crewe and Nantwich Girls and Women's Football Development Forum, take place at the Cumberland Arena, between October and March.

School teams from Alsager, Malbank, Coppenhall, Victoria, St Thomas More, Shavington and Kings Grove took part.

Alsager girls came out on top in the Year 7 and Year 8 divisions, while Victoria took the spoils at Year 9 level. Concorde Trophies donated the winning prizes.

* Crewe and Nantwich Girls FC train at the Cumberland Arena on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For further information on the club, or football for females in the area in general, contact the borough council's sports development team on 01270 537232.