Football fans from Sandbach United are travelling down to Wembley on Sunday to watch the Lionesses in the final.

Some lucky members of the club had already bought tickets for the final of the Women's Euros, not knowing they would be watching England.

But even those who aren't going to Wembley will still be glued to the TV screen at the club – and a big proportion will be women.

For football is certainly not a male dominated sport at the club, which has seen its female section grow massively in recent years.

And football coaches at the club say the recent success of the Lionesses may see the number of females signing up grow even more.  

Every Wednesday, the club has training sessions for its long list of female football teams at the Hind Heath Road Club.

Sandbach United has around 200 females of all ages playing football and Oliver Byron, Head of Football at the club, only sees this growing.

"We may have to look at looking at opening up another night for girls as it's becoming so popular.

Head of Football, Oliver Byron with Zoe Conning (left) and Debbie Brewer-West

"The girls watch others and see the success of teams and what they can achieve.

"England's Steph Houghton came down and trained here for a while and gave a Q & A session.

Steph Houghton at Sandbach United with Isabelle Payne (11)

"The girls loved it and loved watching her," said Oliver who also manages the club's ladies' first team.

Chris Payne coaches the under 12 girls at Sandbach, including his talented daughter, Isabelle (11).

One of the young female footballers at Sandbach, 11-year-old Isabelle Payne

"They watch other female players and now see it can be a job. Playing football teaches the girls all kinds of skills from teamwork to leadership.

"Seeing them develop in such different ways as they gain confidence and get to grips the game is wonderful."

Chris thinks the girls are "far more independent in their thinking" and can do just as well as their male counterparts.

Andy Izzard (left) and Chris Payne who both coach girls' teams

Andy Izzard coaches the Under 13 girls. He said: "We have 20 plus girls every time.

"It's growing fast amongst females and they are really enjoying the game."

Debbie Brewer-West who helps out with the younger girls at the club has played football for years.

"Girls are waking up to the fact it's not just a man's sport and can play it as well as men."

Zoe Conning (27), who is hoping to get into the ladies' first team at Sandbach said: "It's such a great sport to get involved with, not just the games but the social side as well." 

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