LANCASTER City FC is set to kick-off with a professional women's football team.

The club is holding trials for a brand new venture into the women's game - with an eye on the planned launch of a professional women's league in two years time.

The hope is that Lancaster City FC will be one of the top names in the North of England from the word go.

"The whole thing came about as a result of the new Lancaster & Morecambe Football Forum," says commercial manager Cora Patel.

"We expressed an interest in organising a women's team and the response and support we have received has been tremendous. We have formed a separate forum to develop the women's game - and who knows what heights we will reach."

City is expecting up to 100 girls to take part in the trials to be played on Tuesday, May 6, from 6pm, with many young players from local schools and colleges already confirmed. There will be a guest appearance from the England women's coach Amanda Partington.

Simon Gerrard, women's football development officer for Lancashire, says: "This is a really exciting development. The partnership between all the different agencies involved will give an excellent opportunity for women in the Lancaster area to be able to play.

"With the strengthening of the grass roots for girls in the area we should see some real up and coming talent.

* For more detrails of the trials, call Lancaster City FC on 01524-382238 or email ladies@lancastercityfc.com