Girls need to be able to play football on their doorstep, says Man City star Lauren Hemp

Manchester City and England Lioness, Lauren Hemp, visited local team Astley and Tyldesley FC as she stressed the importance of funding for grassroots women and girls football. The club received £1,000 from Starling Bank to aid the training and development of the footballers of tomorrow.

Most teams rely on fundraising through the pitchside sales of tea and coffee at home games, or sponsored events and even Hemp had to fundraise back in the day, she said: “I remember when I played for Norwich and went to Sainsbury's and local supermarkets and did bag packing for people so yeah I do remember doing things like that just to raise money.

“I’d say I was a good packer. I always remembered to put the heavy stuff at the bottom of the bag and make sure you don’t put the bread with the fridge stuff.”

She continued: “It’s so important to get funding in grassroots teams because that’s how it starts, that's how I started playing football.

“For me, I had to travel 45 minutes every evening just to be able to play for my local side so it’s important that girls feel that they can just come to their doorstep and there’s a place for them to play football and be themselves, that parents don't have to worry about affording travel.

“Because in the end, it will create more talent going forward.”

Astley and Tyldesley girl's side was initially set up for a young Ella Toone before she progressed through the ranks to Manchester United and the club has struggled with player recruitment ever since - that was until the Lionesses' European triumph.

Club Football coordinator, Lorraine Warwick-Ellis said: “This is the first year that I’ve not had to advertise for players. I’ve had people ask if I can stretch team numbers so more girls in the area can