LEWES FC is set to offer coached football sessions to women of all abilities to enjoy the beautiful game.

The club's 'Kickstarters' sessions at the community-owned club's pitch The Rookery aims to offer women aged over 18 who are complete beginners a chance to play, but is also open to those who already like playing but don't have a team to play in.

Coach Ellie Ramsauer said: "I want all women, of all abilities, to enjoy football. I've been playing since I was six, and there's no joy quite like scoring a goal for your team, making a great tackle or a good save.

"I want others to feel that joy too."

Sessions will be held on Friday evenings from 7pm to 8pm, with the first taking place on February 11.

Director Karen Dobres said: "Football is still seen by many as the preserve of men, and too many women don't get to benefit from the physical and mental resilience the game can offer.

"So, having never actually played before, I'm actually signing up to Ellie's sessions myself and will put my money where my mouth is."

Lewes FC is the first pro or semi-pro club in the world to provide equal pay and resources to their men's and women's teams and are aiming to address the gender imbalance in sporting activities exacerbated by the pandemic - with 32 per cent of women admitting they could not prioritise exercise during lockdown as they had too much to do for others.

Sessions cost £5, and women can sign up on the team's website.

Formed in 1885, Lewes FC is a fully community-owned and not-for-profit football club, led by directors elected by its more than 2,000 owners.

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