The initial FREE trial programme run by the Jersey Football Association and held over a month, later this year, is aimed at female players of all abilities, aged 11-16.

Parents are being encouraged to register their girls via the Jersey FA website before 30th October.

“We’re trialling the programme over four consecutive weeks through November and early December, giving the girls chance to try out and see if it’s the sport for them,” said Jersey FA community coach Lucy Even.

“This builds on the excellent work we’ve been doing with our SSE Wildcats Centres, which give younger school children the opportunity to play in a safe, fun and enjoyable environment.

“We want to keep those girls in the game into their teens, while also giving new players the opportunity to enter the sport.”

The league will run on Tuesday evenings (5-7pm) on November 12th, 19th, 26th and December 3rd.

Jean-Luc Desbois, Jersey FA CEO, added: “This particular age group (11-16 year- olds) have not always had the same football chances as their younger and older female counterparts.

“We think this new Mini League will give some girls who’ve never played before a great introduction to our sport, and for the more experienced players an opportunity to play more regular competitive football against girls.”