A SPORTS venue is launching women’s football sessions after noticing a ‘huge’ lack of provisions in the area.

Tasha Pearson, duty manager at Pulse Soccer in Barrow, used to travel from Barrow to Morecambe each week to play football due to a lack of clubs in the Furness area.

Ms Pearson, who is a football coach herself, has decided to set up women’s only football sessions which caters to the 16 and above age group.

She said: “We were planning on setting it up just before lockdown but delayed it because of the pandemic but we could see there was a real demand for it.

“I decided the other night that we should try launching the women’s football sessions again, with the aim of playing in the league this summer.

“There is definitely a need for it in the Barrow area. I have been playing football since I was five years old and I was travelling back and forth to Morecambe to play.

“So that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to set up something for everyone which was local.”

Since announcing the sessions, 20 people have already booked onto the first event which will take place at Pulse.

Ms Pearson said: “The sessions will be inclusive to everyone: those who have never played football before as well those who have a bit of experience in the sport.

“You can come down and give it a go. It’s something which will be open to anyone and everyone – it’s very inclusive.

“We want to remove the barriers women face getting into football – and that starts with opening some sessions.

“We’re going to give this a chance then hopefully in the future set up some clubs for younger girls too for the under 9s age group.

“The women’s Euros is being held in England this year so it seems fitting to set up sessions for women in Barrow too.”

The plans come weeks after Barrovian Hollie Keenan officiated as the first female referee in the Furness Premier League after Barrow Wanderers Reserves took on Bootle AFC Reserves.

READ MORE: Barrow's Hollie Keenan is first female referee in the Furness Premier League

Hollie said there should be more opportunities for women over-16 to play football in Barrow- and hopes her role will encourage other women interested in refereeing to take up the challenge.

The women’s football sessions will take place at Pulse in Greengate Street each Tuesday from 6pm  until 7pm and are £3 per person. Message the Facebook page or ring 01229 434062 to book on.