Kewford Eagles flying high as Wolves swoop

Ellie Grosvenor, Olivia Malpass, Abbey Beresford and Alice Eva have all been signed up by Wolves as part of the FA England Talent Pathway development programme.

The fab four, who were all members of Kewford's under-10 girls team last season, have made stunning progress having only taken up the sport 12 months ago.

The girls started playing at Kewford last summer at the club's Saturday morning sessions and progressed to play for the team in the Mercian Junior Fortis League.

The news is a big boost to Kewford who continue to blaze a trail on the junior football scene, and a further shot in the arm for their growing girls section.

Girls secretary Matt Adamson said: "The club is very proud of the girls. To have so many selected, almost half of one team, is fantastic.

"It's a big achievement for them and for the coach of that team, Rhys Edwards. It was Rhys' first year coaching and he has done a lot to develop the girls.

"He is a big Wolves fan himself, so he is really delighted. They all started in our summer feeder group last season.

"Their development from never having played to being put on the England Talent Development Pathway is fantastic.

"For a club like us at grassroots level that's the aim, to give girls the opportunity to reach the highest standard they possibly can.

"The girls have a great opportunity at Wolves to take advantage of some of the highest standard of coaching on offer.

"It's been a real team effort with all of the girls pulling together to have a great first season.

"Coaches from all age groups at Kewford chipping in to get the girls the best start we could give them.

"We're very proud of all of the girls in the team who have really enjoyed their first season and we're looking forward to bringing on another group for next season."

Kewford is one of the biggest grassroots clubs in the Midlands and boast their own £1.2m private football facility – Eagle Park – in Wall Heath.

More than 500 youngsters are on the Eagles' books, playing in 40-plus sides.

The club is keen to see more girls pull on a pair of boots as they seek to build on the success in the female ranks.

It also saw title wins for the under-12s and 14s in the Mercian League and for the senior side in the Birmingham County Women's League.

The under-14s also picked up the Merit Shield and a Fair Play award. Adamson said: "Girls football is something the club is keen to push forward.

"I think we have got somewhere in the region of 90 girls across the six teams.

"The feeder sessions are usually well attended on Saturdays and we brought more than 20 girls into the club last season.

"Next season we are starting an under-nine side as well as running under-11s, 13s, 15s and the senior side.

"We have a great facility at Eagle Park with 11 grass pitches, changing rooms, showers and a cafe, and there is real desire to get a club-house on the site as well."

Lynn Boleyn MBE, charity trustee and Kewford's welfare officer added: "Kewford has a large girls football section with teams ranging from under-10 to adult.

"Last season the club won Mercian Leagues, the Birmingham County Women's League.

"We also picked up a Merit Shield and Fair Play award and we are hoping to encourage more girls to take up the sport."

The sessions at Kewford Eagles are open to girls aged seven to 10 and take place at 11am every Saturday morning – and are free of charge.

More information is available from the club's website at www.kewfordeagles.co.uk.