BARTON’S first women’s football team is doing the estate proud and gathering support.

Barton United Football Club – which was founded more than 30 years ago in 1981 – unveiled its new ladies team at the club fun day in the summer.

Club secretary Jan Rose said the 11-a-side team was already proving a popular addition to the club.

She said: “It is nice to see women out there instead of all those men and boys.

“They have quite a lot of support at home. They have been really good and enjoyable to watch.”

The women switched from the fourth ladies’ team at Oxford City Football Club. The team has now won two games, drawn one and lost the other, to sit second in the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League Division One.

Mrs Rose said the team had picked up five players since the season started last month but still need more – especially a goalie.

The team’s new kit, sponsored by Risinghurst-based hairdressers Grace J’s, was unveiled at the club’s fun day in August.

Barton United Ladies team manager Natalie Creed-Roberts said the squad was settling in well at the club and in the estate.

She said: “We are doing really well. There has been absolutely fantastic support.

“The club itself has been fantastic. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

She said the support at home games had been good, adding: “We have had two home games so far and we have got a lot of supporters who have come down to watch. It’s good because the men play before us and they hang around and watch us afterwards.”

The coach said 22 girls were signed up for the team but it was usual that only 14 could play every Sunday.

Sue Holden, secretary of Barton Community Association, welcomed the team’s success. She said: “It is good for women to infiltrate a man’s world.”

The club trains every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm at the recreation ground.

To get involved call Natalie Creed-Roberts on 07967 633593.