THE Women's World Cup has helped a struggling football club significantly boost its numbers.

Spraire Lasses, based in Darlington, were down to their last 15 players but a concerted effort to attract new talent seen dozens sign up for the club.

Last week the club organised a series of training sessions for would-be players to show off their skills.

Nathan Beadle, Spraire Lasses head coach, said: "We have fronted a massive overhaul in our girls section - which was dying out with only 15 girls ending the season with us in one 11-a-side team across the whole club.

"I decided it was time for a change so used my links in the schools across town and the interest in the female game through the World Cup to see if I could bolster our ranks. After months of hard work next season we will be putting four teams into the league and we have had 52 girls from across the region join our club since the start of 2019.

"And 47 of them are brand new to grass roots football. We have also set up an Under 6’s who will train for the year and be ready to start competitive football next season."

Following the success of the first summer sessions, the club has organised another two sessions taking place on Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday 29. The sessions take place in Darlington's South Park between 9am and 3pm.

For further information about the club visit

www.facebook.com/darlosprairelasses/

or to book a place on both or either of the sessions call 07487-665701.