ILMINSTER Town Football Club has been chosen to host one of the Somerset FA’s new ‘Wildcat Centres’ for young female footballers.

A total of 18 new SSE Wildcat Centres will join the existing 11 in the county, with the aim being to provide a fun football environment for girls aged between five and 11 years old.

Ilminster Town Ladies player Maisie Parker said: “We were really excited when we first heard.

“It means we can get more girls into football and for me, as a player, I can get more involved in the club.”

Parker will take charge in a ‘head coach’ role, supported by club captain Sarah Miller, club welfare officer Hannah McGown and Ladies team manager Craig Stuckey, plus other qualified coaches and volunteers.

There will be a launch event at the Archie Gooch Pavilion this Saturday, April 20 (10am-noon), and the playing sessions will start on Saturday mornings (10-11am) from April 27.

The first session will be free, so girls can get a taste of what to expect, and then cost £2 per player per session.

Parker added: “We want loads of girls to come and be introduced to football, because it’s not just for boys.

“They can stay active, have fun and make friends, too.”

For more details, check out the ‘Ilminster Town FC SSE Wildcats Centre’ Facebook page, @WildcatsSse on Twitter, or email ilminsterssewildcats@hotmail.com