GIRLS from Crediton Youth Football under 10’s and under 14’s made their debuts in the North Devon League on Saturday, September 10 at Sandymere in Northam.

Sean Hartrey, manager of the under 12’s team, explains: “Our under’s 10’s have only been training for the last five or six weeks, with Claire Ebdy taking on the roll as coach, and it didn’t take them long to get their first win!

“The under 14’s also played really well and notched up two wins and a draw with the only defeat coming at the hands of the eventual winners of the tournament.”

The following day (Sunday, September 11) the under 10’s, 12’s and 14’s set off at 9.45am on the coach, heading for Yeovil, as Sean continues: “We arrived at 11.45am at their Alverton training pitches to take part in the ‘Kick it Out!’ Festival being run by Yeovil Football Club!

“We entered three teams with plenty of players and at least everyone got a game.

“There were some fantastic results with the under 12’s winning one and then a huge result to draw with Yeovil, they could have easily won!

“The under 14’s and under 10’s also impressed with some great performances.

“We then moved onto Huish Park where all our girls got a tour of the ground and changing rooms ahead of the WSL2 match between Yeovil Ladies and London Bee’s. They then got to line up in the tunnel with all the players where they were all either mascots or flag bearers - some even took on the roles of ball girls so they could be closer to the action!

“The atmosphere was fantastic with the crowd of more than 800 people shouting and cheering as they went out on to the pitch!

“The girls then got to watch the first half before getting on to the pitch at half-time for some fun with our friends from SAS Barnstaple who we invited to join us on the day!

“Sadly the match ended with a defeat for our table topping Yeovil Ladies but it didn’t dampen the girls’ enthusiasm at the final whistle to get to talk to, collect autographs, take selfies and generally be around the players!

“The experience was so inspiring for all the girls with one parent emailing ‘my daughter woke up on Monday morning wanting to have the weekend again it was so great!’

“This was another part of our sister club-link with Yeovil Ladies which has led to an unbelievable growth in our girls squads, which was capped on Friday, September 16 by 42 girls attending training - a record for Crediton Youth!

“But we still want more, so please come along and join us on Friday evenings at 6pm or for more details check out the website: creditonyouthfc.co.uk and select girls’ teams!

“Finally thanks to all the parents and helpers who made the day so special for the girls!”