CAROL Checkley is proving a super mum when it comes to organising football in Bracknell, writes Dave Wright.

The 32-year-old has got more than 20 girls, aged eight to 10, training once a week – and her sessions, which are free, have already made an impression with the Berks & Bucks Football Association.

Carol plays in goal for Bracknell Town FC ladies, but last year she started to have an interest in coaching and became aware of the Berks & Bucks' Project 500, a campaign to attract more female coaches.

Despite having no experience in coaching a running a team, Carol took up the challenge, attending a course at Bucks University last September, and is making good progress.

She said: "Just through Facebook and other social media, I got replies from the parents of 20 or so girls. I haven't even gone into schools to try and raise even more interest.

"But I am delighted with the response I have got so far, it's going better than I first thought.

"Many parents said their daughters were keen to play in an all-girls team rather than with boys as it is a bit less physical. Many of those training have never played football before.

"There is a good turn out for training and we have started to organise friendly games for them."

The girls include her own 10-year-old daughter, Chloe, who plays for Bracknell Town's under-10 side.

Carol has already been on first-aid and safeguarding courses, and is booked onto the FA Level 1 and goalkeeper Level 1 courses.

In the meantime she is being helped by Tina Leahy, a qualified coach who has played for several local teams, and Kate Brown.

"I am learning a lot from Tina all the time; she is a good coach," said Carol.

The first young girls' football team in Bracknell will be associated with Bracknell Town FC, so players will have the opportunity of making progress through the age groups, starting with the Berks County Girls League, and ultimately into the club's women's reserve and first team in the Southern Region League.

A recent visitor to one of their training sessions was Nathan Simpson, the B&B FA development officer for women's and girls.

"I was amazed by the turnout," he said.

"Carol looks to be doing extremely well; I could not be more delighted.

"I hope she inspires other women to start up girls teams in their area."

Once teams are formed, she can apply for funding from the Football Foundation's Grow the Game scheme and the Football Fund controlled by the Berks & Bucks, a total of £2,250.

Carol runs her free coaching sessions on the 3g pitch opposite Easthampstead Park School each Thursday, from 6pm to 7pm.

For further details she can be contacted via email on carolcheckley@ntlword.com