HULLBRIDGE Sports is launching three new ladies and girls’ teams in the hope they can replicate the success shown by its mens’ teams as they prepare for the big kick-off.

The girls and ladies sides are gearing up for their new seasons – at under-11, under-15 and ladies level – with the action beginning this weekend, meaning the club now has five mini soccer teams, nine youth teams and five men’s teams.

The under-11s play seven-a-side football at the moment, although that will increase to nine-a-side next year, and begin their league season this Saturday with a tough test at West Ham United under-11 girls.

The under-15s currently play nine-a-side, although that will go up to 11-a-side next year and the Ladies team are starting in the Essex Women’s League on Saturday.

And the club, which enjoyed unprecedented success last year – with its highest ever finish in the Essex Senior league and success in the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy – is hopeful the women can replicate that success.

“Hullbridge Sports is a community club and supported the local area with teams in the mini soccer league up to the veterans,” said head of media Neil Hunwicks. “Boys have an opportunity to play through the age groups and work their way up to eventually playing for the senior team who currently play in the Essex Senior League.

“We realised some time ago that to realistically represent the entire community, we would need to start up girls and ladies football, so that is exactly what we did.”

The under-11s will start in the Essex County Girls Under 11s South Division, with all the girls local to the area, although they are looking for new players.

The under-15s start in B Division of the Essex County Girls Under 15 League, with a local derby against Billericay the fixture to look out for. The team won a charity six-a-side tournament in June at Hutton FC, also scooping the prize for “the best run team” for the way they played the game The ladies team have geared up for their first ever league opener with a 5-0 win over Beacon Hill Ladies and Mr Hunwicks said the club has come a long way in the last 12 months.

“This is a fantastic year for Hullbridge Sports,” he said. “We represent the community and play the game in the right spirit.

“If any girls or ladies are interested in being a part of the Hullbridge family, especially under-11s as we really need you, just contact us and we will make you very welcome in to the local football community.”

Anyone interested in playing for the under-11 girls side should contact Richard Catling on 01268 773277 or email him at r.catling@sky.com.

l Hullbridge Sports under-18s host Hitchin Town under-18s in the FA Youth Cup tonight.

The match kicks off at Lower Road at 7.30pm.