A THRIVING youth football club in Blackbird Leys is squaring up to its biggest challenge yet: convincing more girls to take up the black and yellow.

Oxford Blackbirds FC has almost 100 youngsters from across the estate on its books but only one girl – Cali-Faith Debanks-O'Callaghan, aged seven.

New club chairman Stuart Parsons said although at present all but one of its eight teams were full, it was an issue that would be addressed in the coming years.

He said: "As a club we are doing really well but in my opinion the next step is to get more girls involved.

"On an estate this size, one of the biggest estates in the UK, we have one girl with Oxford Blackbirds and none at Greater Leys FC. We are looking to build up."

In the past, Mr Parsons said, promising female players such as last year's Alyssa Tierney had been "snapped up" by Oxford United or moved to clubs such as Oxford City, which offer all-girls teams.

At Oxford Blackbirds, girls and boys play together – with separate changing rooms – right up to the Under-18s.

Mr Parsons said: "We held a sponsored event in October where the mums played. After that I was approached by 15 girls who asked if we could get them a team started.

"There is the interest out there. A girls' team is something I would love to get involved with. Maybe if we were to get one it might encourage a few more to stick.

"Our main problem is with recruiting coaches and managers as many see it as a daunting, massive undertaking. And we would prefer a female coach for a girls' team."

Earlier this month Oxford Blackbirds were crowned Under 12 Division C champions following a 4-1 win at Botley Boys, while the Under 7 team won their Trophy Event Final against Oxford City. Mr Parsons said that although the team was on the up, there was more to football than just the game itself.

He said: "People forget the social aspect of being in a team. It's as rewarding socially as it is health-wise."

Young Cali-Faith, who goes to Orchard Meadow Primary School, has jumped straight into life at Oxford Blackbirds after joining up last year.

Mum Kerry O'Callaghan, of Windrush Tower, said: "Cali-Faith loves it. She has a big brother who plays for the Blackbirds Under-11s and has learned from him.

"I was really shocked when I found out she was the only girl, and really proud at the same time. She doesn't mind; she just gets on and does it.

"But it would be better if there was an all-girls team. Sometimes it's good to have a mix but if it's all girls they are of the same ability and can all feel more confident."

Anyone interested in helping put together a girls' team should call Mr Parsons on 07585435425 or visit tinyurl.com/h9osgpc