Girls' soccer is taking off in a big way in Castle Point, where more than 150 youngsters are playing the game.

The pupils are taking part on a series of sessions delivered by Cliff McDonald of Coerver Coaching Essex as part of the borough's football development plan.

Taster events at Canvey's Furtherwick Park, Cornelius Vermuyden and Castle View schools were so successful that a range of sessions have been launched to meet the demand.

"The response from the girls has been fantastic, they are really keen to play," said Cliff, who has also been working with primary schools in Castle Point.

"We are currently in the process of setting up a Saturday morning coaching club for girls of all ages and abilities to develop this interest."

A continuation programme at Furtherwick has been running for ten weeks to satisfy the football-hungry girls and four curriculum PE sessions have been held at Cornelius Vermuyden involving 100 girls.

A ten-week after-school coaching programme has also been arranged to start at Benfleet's Appleton School in March.

All the training uses Coerver Coaching's unique Pyramid of Player Development, which focuses on soccer skills and nurturing players.

"In order to develop girls' football it is important that girls are given the same opportunities as boys at an early age," said Castle Point sports development officer Natalie Blyde.

"Cliff has made a huge amount of progress by improving playing opportunities for children of all ages and abilities within the school, not just the best 11.

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