YORK City Football Club Foundation is continuing to help grow the female game with the support of a generous grant.

The funding is from the National League Trust as part of a pilot programme funded by the Wembley National Stadium Trust.

The grant is worth £8,000 if the Foundation meets certain targets.

As part of this it is running weekly Turn up and Play sessions for girls aged 11 and over and women aged 25 and over.

In light of England Lionesses winning the She Believes Cup, the Foundation said this is a great time to capitalise nationally on the interest that has been generated and it is committed to inspiring current and future talent.

This programme is intended to provide more opportunities for girls and women to develop their footballing skills and confidence in a high-quality environment, in the hope that the number of women participating regularly will increase.

Paula Stainton, Foundation manager, said: “The Foundation was selected to be involved in this programme due to our proven track record of delivery in the female game with a full pathway offered from our Primary Girls schools offer; Wildcats Centres and Girls only Holiday activities; to our City Girls Elite; FA Regional Talent Club and York City Ladies FC.

"The FA National Strategy aim is to double the numbers of participants by 2020, and hopefully this project will go some way to achieving this with at least 70 new females participating in some way in our area.”

Sessions are taking place weekly on Wednesday evenings. No pre-registration is required, just see the coach on site.

The sessions for 11-plus years are from 5 to 6pm at Huntington School astroturf pitch, on Huntington Road, while the sessions for 25-plus years are being held from 8 to 9pm at York St John University Sport Park, on Haxby Road.

Amy Tyro, Foundation coach, said: “As a former player myself and a lover of the game this opportunity for females is incredible and I’m delighted to be involved. The Foundation aim to encourage more females, no matter what age to get involved in football, and I look forward to the possibility of mentoring new players/coaches and engaging with others whilst sharing our experiences.”

She added: “The sessions are of benefit to those that want to get back into playing or even begin their journey of football discovery. Not only will players enjoy the fitness benefits but also the social aspects that playing sport and being a part of something, can offer.”