FOOTBALL is proving to be in a league of its own for girls in Melrose.

The junior football club at Gibson Park launched a female only section for schoolgirls of all ages.

And the organisers have been overwhelmed by both the numbers and the enthusiasm.

Karen McConnell, Scottish FA Girls Development Officer, recently helped with one of the Saturday morning coaching sessions. She said: “The girls’ sections was brilliant to see - and all the girls looked like they had a fantastic time.

"I am confident there are big things ahead for the girls at the Melrose club.”

The Melrose committee were aware of the limited numbers of girls who were playing mixed football last season.

They decided to gauge interest in a girls’ only section by asking parents for their views.

And the response was overwhelming – girls did want to play football but not with the boys.

The committee, working with Scottish FA Development Officer Drew Kelly, set about sourcing and training female coaches to take the girls for their weekly training session.

Now the five female coaches put around 30 girls through their football skills, drills and games each Saturday morning between 10am and 11am.

Mr Kelly told the Border Telegraph: "The introduction of a girls section at Melrose FC is a fantastic opportunity for girls in the area to get involved in regular football coaching.

"The club have shown great commitment with five female coaches having attended Scottish FA coaching courses to enable them to coach the girls.

"The club are also being supported by Borders Sport and Leisure in establishing a strong base for female football going forward.

"I would encourage any girls in the area to go along on a Saturday morning and join in with the fun football sessions"

The feedback from both parents and players has been fantastic.

Caroline Foran, mother to Olivia who is in Primary 2, said: “I was impressed when I saw Olivia after training, sat in the Engine Room Clubhouse, absolutely soaked.

"I asked her if she was cold and she replied, with much delight, ‘Mummy, I scored a goal.”

For further information on how to get involved with football at Melrose Football Club please email melrosefootballclub@gmail.com.