BUSINESS BASF is hoping to inspire chemistry on the pitch and boost women’s sport.

The Cinderford-based firm has kitted out the Forest of Dean Girls’ Football Club with shirts, shorts and socks to make sure girls get the opportunity to play the game.

Founder of the Ellwod FC-based club, Becky Saunders, said the team was formed after her daughter couldn’t find a local club to play in.

She said: “I only planned to run the club for a year, but I am still doing it three years later.

“Girls from across the Forest of Dean and beyond have been joining us as they are also finding it hard to find a club to play for in the county.

“Compared to other teams in our league, we are a very young club, but already we have gained a good reputation as we are the only girls’ team in the district.

Becky added that boys appear to be taught how to play football as soon as they can walk, “but girls don’t seem to get the same opportunity.

“And when they do get inspired to have a go, they often have nowhere to learn the essential footballing skills.”

Bob Smallwood, BASF Cinderford site manager, said: “As an international company we do like to recruit women.

“We also like to give back to the community in which we are based.

“We have been working with the WISE Programme – Women In Science and Engineering.

“This began when we contacted local schools to see if they were interested in a donation of science books and these conversations expanded into us offering to help the community through the Forest Economic Partnership.

“Investing in the youth today could have a positive outcome in years to come, as women have proven to be a positive force in the workplace and we have opportunities for a range of careers.

“You never know, we might even have a women’s BASF football team in the future.”

The girls’ club is a feeder for the Forest of Dean Ladies and is the only girls’ side in the area which plays in a league.

They run U12, U14 and U16 teams under coach Jacob Dover and have recently started a Wildcats programme for four-year-olds and up.

They play games on a Sunday and train on Mondays on the astroturf at Lydney Leisure Centre.

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