STOURPORT Royals girls football club were given something to aspire to when England women's international Eni Aluko stopped off at their presentation evening at Stourport Sports Club.

The Charlton Athletic striker was invited along to hand out prizes and received flowers and a special edition Royals shirt with her name and number on from captain Katie Parker.

Royals are recruiting players for their new under-14 team which will compete in the Stourbridge and District League next season, while they are also looking for sponsors.

Anyone interested in playing or sponsoring the team should contact manager Andy Rudge on 01299 826662.

l A successful Kidderminster Lions team are joining the big boys by progressing from mini soccer to 11-a-side football.

The side, now under-12s, won their league last season and tasted victory at summer tournaments at Burlish, Catshill, Halas Hawks and Worcester Colts.

They are sponsored by Versaduct Sheet Metal and many of the players have had trials with the Worcestershire County FA.

l Cookley's first girls' football team will be guaranteed success if their on-pitch efforts match the amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes.

The team is looking forward to kicking off in the Mercian Football League next month after linking up with Cookley Youth FC.

Manager Julie Rudd is excited about the team's prospects after being overwhelmed by the amount of support she has received during the summer.

"I have run girls teams for four years but have not known anything like the buzz at this club," said Rudd.

Cookley Girls have gone from having a handful of players, no money and little equipment to having a full squad, new kit and money in the bank.

The funding has come from a Football Foundation grant and a raffle which raised almost £1,000.

Rudd thanked sponsors MG Transport and other local businesses for their support.

l Burlish Olympic Ladies are holding a recruitment drive as they plot a tilt at the Women's County League title.

And after finishing runners up twice and third three times, they have firmly set their sights on top spot this time around.

A couple of departures have left gaps in boss Dave Glass's squad and he is after fresh faces to improve competition for places.

"We're looking to challenge for the title but we're a bit thin on the ground and could do with a few new players," said the manager.

Interested players must be over 16 and are welcome to attend training at Stourport's Memorial Park from 6.45pm on Tuesdays.

Alternatively ring Dave Glass on 07941 157730 or 01299 827356.

l Franche Boys FC under-16s are looking for new players. Trials take place at 5.30pm tomorrow at Habberley Road. Call Ian Hinton on 01562 743481 for more details.