PLAYERS and sponsors are being sought to be part of a newly formed female football team.

Mabe Ladies Football Club established in April to give opportunities for local women to play the sport locally.

The team who train every Thursday at Mabe Primary School will play their first competitive games in September when they enter the Cornwall Women's Football League.

Ahead of their debut in the competition, the club are looking to bolster their squad numbers.

Yaina Andrew, who co-founded the team, said: “We set up as women around here who wanted to play had to travel quite far to find a team, so we wanted to give them a more local option.

“We've been training since April and have had 12 people turning up regularly, which is a really good start without really advertising.

“But we do need more players, so we are on the lookout for any women who want to play football, no matter what skill level they are at.

“The only stipulation we have is that players have to be 16-years-old or older to play in the matches, although under 16s can still come along and take part in training.”

The club will operate alongside Mabe FC's men's team with coaching and sponsorship already being provided by their male counterparts.

They are also looking for more sponsorship from local businesses along with opportunities to work in the community to promote the sport.

Andrew said: “The men at Mabe have been great to us ever since we approached them about joining up.

“They've been really excited and have provided us with coaching and also raised £303 for us in terms of sponsorship.

“We are looking to pay the men back for their help and raise more sponsorship. We already have £100 come in from the King's Arms in Penryn which is great.

“Something else we are interested in doing is going around to schools to encourage the girls to play football, as women's football won't survive in the county if we don't get young people playing.”

She went onto say the team will head into their first full season with low expectations, but does believe they can throw in some good performances.

“Normally new teams usually lose every game in their first year,” Andrew, who has previously played for Mullion and Penryn, said.

“We do have a few experienced players though in our ranks though.

“We will not be expecting to achieve a lot during our first season, but I think we could upset a few teams in the league.”

Anyone who is interested in joining or helping the club should call 07557147906 or email yainalouise@hotmail.com.