The FA have just announced a new five year plan to grow women's football in the UK, to make it the second most played sport, behind mens football.

This includes the introduction of a second division into the FA's Women's Super League, the creation of an elite performance unit and a commercial strategy to promote and grow interest and coverage of the game.

This is a really positive recognition of the progress at womens football has made since the days when I used to play. In those days there was no professional league at all, just a handful of clubs, very few facilities and almost no spectators.

Of course, the key to achieving success at international level is to have a really strong grass roots movement, so where can all the budding Casey Stoney and Rachel Yankeys in Heanor and Ripley start playing women's football?

Luckily, we've got plenty of options in our area.

As well as the brilliant Ripley Rangers, who have two girls teams, there's also the dedicated women's football club, Alfreton Town Ladies.

With four teams from Under 13's to senior level, Alfreton Ladies works exclusively with women and girls to help them learn the game, develop their skills, and enjoy playing football in a supportive, fun yet competitive environment.

And they are having some real success too. The senior ladies team (for girls aged 18+) are currently top of the Derbyshire Girls and Ladies League, and the Under 13s are leading the U13 North sub-division.

This is a huge improvement on last season, when the team actually lost every match they played. It just goes to show what a difference good coaching and a focus on the development of skills, as well as an emphasis on players enjoying themselves and just enjoying playing football.

Alfreton Ladies train at Swanwick's Pentrich Rd facilities, with the senior girls playing their games there too, whilst the younger teams play at Cavendish Fields at Matlock.

Training is on Tuesday or Weds night, depending on the team, and girls are encouraged to come to a few training sessions for free before they decide to commit to the club.

For more information, contact Sarah Wadsworth on 07891 778648

If you run a local business and want to support the club, there are many sponsorship opportunities, from sponsoring a single player through to a full team. Again, get in touch with Sarah on the above number to find out more, or visit Www.alfretontownladies.co.uk.