The entry to the league marks a significant milestone for the club, as the team’s senior crop become the first group of female players to progress as a team from U8s all the way through the age groups to women’s football.

Ross Juniors female section co-ordinator, Paul Flitney said: “We’re very excited for the future as this completes our female player pathway we’ve been working towards since 2011.

“Girls in our successful junior section can now progress all the way into our talented women’s team.”

The team will compete against the likes of County champions Hereford Pegasus, Malvern Town and Bromsgrove, and will be the only club in the county, outside of Hereford city, which will be playing at Step 7.

“We have excellent facilities, infrastructure, and coaches, and with the plans we have to improve things further, we think Ross can become a real hot bed for women’s football, like it has been for girls,” adds Paul.

The current team is mainly comprised of last season’s U17s, who will be playing against adults for the first time.

Manager Rob Powell said: “We have a young, talented team but it will be a challenge. It is a big jump, both physically and culturally.

“In a recent friendly, an opposition player told us she had just returned to playing football after giving birth to her second child, while most of our girls were revising for their GCSEs!”

The club hopes to attract even more women to play.

And Ron says: “I would like any female players who have had to travel elsewhere to play competitive women’s football when it wasn’t available locally, or women in college or returning home from university, or even players who have recently moved to the area and are looking for a new club to come along in pre-season.

“The team already has the potential for success. Adding players with quality and experience of playing women’s football will really help our younger players along and speed up that process.”

Ross Juniors Women train Tuesdays from 6pm to 7.30pm at Ross Sports Centre.

For more information visit rossjuniorsfc.com/women or email [email protected]