As the Lionesses prepare to continue their international championship success at this year's World Cup girls football teams on the coast are also on the up.

The England women's squad are only weeks away from their first match at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand when they face Haiti on July 22 in Brisbane.

And inspired by their success, in Hemsby, weekly football practices for girls between five and 14 are going from strength to strength with Motive8 Sports Coaching programmes, FA Weetabix Wildcats and Squad Girls' Football.

With sessions taking place every Wednesday from 5pm until 6pm at the Waters Lane Playing Field at Hemsby, near Great Yarmouth, the Wildcats is for girls aged five to 11 years, and Squad is for girls aged 12 to 14 years.

The scheme, which is taught by FA-qualified coaches, was brought to the village by Motiv8 Sports in partnership with Hemsby FC.

Motiv8 Sports head coach, Andy Chantrill, said: "We felt there was a lack of team-based activities for girls in the area. We know of successes in other areas where we started the Wildcats programme.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Andy Chantrill, head coach for Motiv8 Sports. Picture - James WeedsAndy Chantrill, head coach for Motiv8 Sports. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"Hemsby FC seemed a very progressive club, and we think it will help us grow the number of girls.

"Reception has been fantastic, and through word of mouth, it is growing. It seems to be very popular."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Squad Girls' team practising at Hemsby Playing Field. Picture - James WeedsThe Squad Girls' team practising at Hemsby Playing Field. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

The football sessions focus on 'FUNdamental' skills, such as agility, balance and coordination. But parent volunteer Gemma Banham said the training also provides a "more holistic approach".

"When girls come to us, they might not be very confident and we just help them make friendships, build their social skills," she said. 

"It looks at the whole picture.

"I've been here for about twelve months and I absolutely love it. It's very rewarding."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Parent volunteer for Motiv8 Sports Gemma Banham at Waters Lane Playing Field. Picture - James WeedsParent volunteer for Motiv8 Sports Gemma Banham at Waters Lane Playing Field. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Motive8 Sports Coaching also run other Wildcats/Squad Centres at the FDC in Norwich, Horsford and South Walsham. 

For more information, email motive8sports@hotmail.com or visit www.motive8sports.co.uk.