Manchester United and England striker Alessia Russo, from Maidstone, hails increased participation in women’s football as World Cup looms

Alessia Russo says there’s no better time to be involved in women’s football.

Participation at grassroots level has increased by almost 20% since England’s European Championship success last summer.

And with the World Cup coming up in Australia and New Zealand next month, those figures are set to grow.

Manchester United and England striker Russo, from Maidstone, wants to see more and more girls playing football.

And, speaking in the third episode of the Kent FA's Kent Football Show, her message is clear.

“I think why not try it?” she said. “It’s important we were given the stages that we needed in the summer and we went out there and people could see how good the women’s game has become.

“So I think it’s nice to finally get the recognition that women’s football has deserved for many years and with the Euros and the World Cup coming up, there’s no better time to be involved in girls’ football.”

Russo, 24, started her football journey playing with the boys at Bearsted while a pupil at East Farleigh Primary School.

Provision for girls’ football has increased dramatically since those days, helped by initiatives such as the Weetabix Wildcats Centres, of which there are now 72 in Kent.

“I think it’s really cool to see the numbers increase so much,” said Russo.

“Our job off the back of the Euros was to make sure there were more and more people involved in the game.

“To hear that about your local area is really nice and I hope it becomes even more because I know there’s girls who want to play football and you can see the hunger for it.

“So hopefully the numbers keep rising and there’s more opportunities for these girls to get involved (in things) like the Weetabix events and other things the FA are bringing in.

“It’s great, and