Go for it! Coach urges more women into football

The success of the England team – including Norfolk's Lauren Hemp (far right) – has boosted the sport's popularity with women and girls

A football coach has urged others to "go for it" and try a new scheme which aims to encourage more women into the sport.

Despite the growing popularity of the game – helped by the success of the England international team – there are concerns about a shortage of female coaches.

Norfolk Football Association said its Pitch Perfect project would offer in-person and online workshops for those interested in developing their coaching skills.

The new initiative is being backed by Chloe Moulton from Heacham, who said there was "no better time to get into the game".

Chloe Moulton took up coaching after she was not allowed to play football at school

Ms Moulton, 18, who began coaching four years ago after being denied the chance to play football in school, said she thought the scheme could make it easier for women to enter the sport.

"We all know it's male-dominated – when I did my Uefa C course, for example, there were many times where I was the youngest and the only female in the room," she said.

"You don't always feel like you belong there [but] luckily my experience has been really positive.

"Pitch Perfect is a great initiative. There's no better time to get into the game.

Ms Moulton, who is studying for a football coaching and talent development degree, said: "Go for it! Take the opportunity [as] you never know where it's going to lead."

Norfolk FA said workshops would be offered in Norwich and Great Yarmouth, with no previous experience necessary and "no pressure to commit".

Norfolk FA's James Buhlemann said he hoped more women would "cross the line" and take up coaching

More girls have been joining football teams, but some clubs have struggled to meet the demand.

Earlier this year, North Walsham Town, the first club of Lioness Lauren Hemp, said it needed more coaches.

James Buhlemann, of the Norfolk FA, said the association had seen "a definite rise in our number of female coaches" but he hoped for more.

"It is usually the dad that steps forward and runs the team for both mixed football and females football," he said.

"But there's so much knowledge and great skillsets that lots of mums and older siblings have that would be brilliant for the game."

The scheme was set up after Labour county councillors recommended that almost £5,000 from the Norfolk Community Fund be spent on it.

"The game is getting more popular," said Mile Cross councillor Chrissie Rumsby.

"More women and girls want to get involved, so therefore we need people who are proper trainers to get you the skills that you need to play at whatever level you want to play."