I make no apologies for concentrating this month’s report entirely on our much prized Girls section - the brainchild of our very own Nigel Bowen who was instrumental in setting it up some years ago and continues to be a much valued member of the P&TGFC committee.

The girls’ teams continue to show good progress led by Cathy Sturrock who with her enthusiasm has created a fantastic friendly atmosphere for the girls to progress through the age groups with the emphasis and ethos centred on having fun playing football, developing ability and hopefully winning some matches along the way. Cathy also manages the U14 team.

Our link up with our friends at Holy Trinity F.C. in the U14 section is proving to be a congenial and beneficial partnership in terms of merging teams when neither club has enough players at certain age groups; Steve Roy comes along with the Holy Trinity girls to assist with running the side and keep continuity and familiarity going.

All teams compete In the Bucks Girls’ Football League; coaches are qualified in line with club policy of progressing coaches as well as players in all sections.

The U10’s are run by Adrian Finnis and are very much a development section playing friendlies and tournaments- the feedback is very positive and new players are always welcome at this inaugural level (and at other age groups...!)

The Under 12’s, run by Dave Lawson compete in the U12 South Division of the BGFL and are making excellent progress. They currently lie mid table In the league (3rd out of 5 teams) having played 7, won 3, drawn 1, lost 3. In their last game they took on Chesham United Ladies (The Manchester United of local girls’ football) and, after a valiant fight in what was an excellent advert for girls football, eventually lost 5-2, a creditable performance and testimony to the progress we are making with our this team. In the U12 Cup Group “A” they have played 4, won 1, drawn 1, lost 2.

The U14’s, run by Cathy Sturrock, assisted by Steve Roy, compete in the U14 South Division of the BGFL and are currently lie 5th out of 8, having played 7, won 4 and lost 3. Hopefully this section will eventually be the nucleus of our ladies’ team of the future playing at P&TGFC. The girls’ sections had four players go for trials at The Berks & Bucks Development Centre and one player was selected for further expert coaching at the centre, a marvellous achievement and testimony to the coaching and development work in the girls’ section.

So, girls, if you fancy playing football, making friends, having a good time and keeping fit, then please take a look at our fantastic club website for full contact details of all age groups at: www.penntylersgreenfc.co.uk.

The results of the U12 & U14 teams can be followed on the Berks & Bucks website: http//:full-time.thefa.com.

For more information about the Bucks Girls Football League go to:  ww.bucksgirlsfootball.co.uk.

This article was written by Tony Hurst (Chairman, PTGFC) and first appeared in the February/March 2012 edition of Village Voice (issue 148). To see it in its original format please select the relevant edition from the Village Voice pages of this website.