BARROW AFC's pioneering girls football projects have been given a financial boost thanks to the National League.

The league have handed over cheque for £13,000 to fund the Only Girls Allowed project, which sees primary school youngsters enjoy coaching sessions in and out of school.

The project has been run by Barrow AFC Community Sports for the past three years and the National League Trust – a charity that offers grant aid to National League clubs to support and develop their community projects – have come forward to help it carry on for even longer.

Lord Faulkner of Worcester, trustee of the National League Trust and vice-president of the National League, made a presentation to Tony Callister, the head of the Barrow AFC Performance Centre, and coach yasmine Swarbrikc at last weekend's National League game between Barrow and Forest Green Rovers.

Derek Brooks, of Barrow Borough Sports Council, and Jen Collier, of Cumbria Community Foundation, were also present as partners in the project.

The funding will support the Only Girls Allowed project and its aims to increase the availability of football for girls in the area.

This includes sessions in schools, evening coaching sessions and the Barrow AFC Girls Performance Centre.

So far, 20 primary schools have taken part in the coaching sessions, involving more than 340 Year 5 pupils.

The culmination of five weekly sessions held in the schools was a tournament where the girls could showcase the skills they had learned.

Funding has also allowed the introduction of two girls’ teams at the Barrow AFC Performance Centre, the first girls to represent the club in this way at any level.

Girls aged between five and 11 attend weekly free Only Girls Allowed sessions at Furness College.

Barrow AFC Community Sports' Margaret Straker said: “The girls can not only improve their football skills, but also build their confidence, make new friends and increase their fitness levels. They have a fun time and really enjoy the sessions.”

Barrow AFC coaches have also benefited from the funding, as Swarbrick and Matty Taylor were supported in enhancing their qualifications and now are both Level 2 coaches.

Charlotte Kendall started out as a volunteer, but with funding support she has now achieved her Level 1 badge and takes part in the Only Girls Allowed evening sessions and the girls training at the Performance Centre.

The Only Girls Allowed sessions at Furness College take place on Mondays, between 6pm and 7pm. For more information on how to take part, contact Barrow AFC Community Sports on 01229 666011.