GIRLS football is going from strength to strength in Alloa thanks to a dedicated band of young players and coaches.

The Wasps Girls have been up and running for a year now, and are currently gearing up for the season ahead.

With a core of around 15-16 youngsters training every week, the sessions have proved popular for girls in the county.

No one is turned away, regardless of age or experience, and all have their part to play, according to the coaches.

And the team will only get stronger thanks to a £500 grant from Asda in Alloa to help with equipment and running costs.

Joanna Scobie, community life champion with the store, went along to the Indodrill Stadium last Wednesday to hand over the cheque and watch the girls showcase their skills.

Coach Darren Ireland is hoping to see more youngsters come to training so they can grow the sport for girls in Clacks.

He told Advertiser Sport: "First and foremost, we want the kids to come down and have fun.

"We cater for everyone, here. We had girls coming along who have never kicked a ball in their life before.

"Some have come to training not really sure about whether they even wanted to play, but now they love it."

The girls play in mini tournaments at the weekends, where they face a number of different teams in 10-minute games.

Darren also said the team will be back in competition later this month.

He added: "It's not all about winning, though we do try to instil a feeling of wanting to win, without being super competitive.

"It's about having a good time; improving social skills, teamwork and exercise. Football is the just the thing that holds it all together.

"And it is proper training; we put them through their paces. But at the same time it's tailored for girls that age so they get plenty of time on the ball.

"What's most important, though, is that they all walk away with smiles on their faces."

Darren is hoping more notice will be paid to the young girls playing the game, and argues that Alloa Athletic is one of the clubs leading the way in that regard.

He said: "Girls are as good as boys when it comes to playing – there is a lot of ability here and some really want to go on a play at a high level.

"Of course they have as much right to play; girls football has come a long way.

"We get a lot of support from the Scottish Women's Football Association, but Alloa are really backing us at the minute.

"The girls love being at the stadium; they arrive at training and go on to the same park as the first team. It's made a big difference to them.

"We're hoping to get the girls on the park at half time during one of the Alloa games."

Anyone wishing to train with the girls' team is invited along on Wednesday nights, between 6-7pm, at the Indodrill Stadium in Alloa.

The first session is free so parents are not forced to commit and all that is needed is trainers and tracksuit trousers.