ROSSENDALE United have launched its first ever girls teams but they have one problem - they don't have enough players!

The Under 11s team could be forced to fold even before they begin if they don't attract more girls with the new season just a few weeks away.

So far, United only have four players and need at least another three to enter a seven-a-side team in to the North Lancs Friendly League.

Rossendale United is one of the biggest clubs in the area with 17 boys teams from under eights to under 16s. But, so far, the club is struggling to add team number 18.

"We thought it would be a good idea to start up a girls team and give them a chance of having a game of football," said Susan Varley, whose husband, Ronnie, will run the manager.

"The problem is, we left it a little late and by the time we decided to start the team the schools were just about to break up. We did distribute leaflets to some of the schools in the area but we ran out of time." So far, Jade Varley, Emma Pickles, Emma Talbot and Evie Waller have been training every week waiting to welcome new players in to the team.

"It is a shame because the girls are turning up for training but they have no-one else to play with.

"They haven't even got a keeper!"

Susan added: "We need at least three players so we can put a team out but ideally we could do with six or seven fresh faces to build up a squad."

Any players interested in joining should contact Ronnie Varley on 01706 217399.