A new girls’ football team who have been playing competitively for the first time say they have been inspired by Kent’s own Lioness Alessia Russo.

In their very first season, the girls of the Cranbrook Junior Football Club Under 10s Celestials have already won several games - and they attribute it to Maidstone-born Russo.

Team member Fleur Sands, nine, said: “We love the Lionesses!

“Alessia Russo has inspired us because she scores lots of goals and never gives up!”

Olivia Hayworth, eight, agreed. She said: “It’s also really cool that she’s from Maidstone, which is not far from where we live, and she has got so far with her football!”

Formed at the start of the season, the 11-strong squad of eight to 10-year-olds is playing in the Kent Girls and Ladies Football League. Their home ground is the Rammell Field in Cranbrook.

The girls were completely new to competitive football at the start of the season and it has been a rollercoaster ride for them.

But they have grown in confidence and now even have three wins under their belt.

The girls are coached by Luci Levett, Rob Stubbings and Miguel Pereira, and are sponsored by leisure operator, Fusion Lifestyle.

Ms Levett said: "Celestials have gone from strength to strength.

“Most of them had never stepped onto a football pitch prior to September last year, so everything was brand new to them. They’ve worked extremely hard and have secured two wins already, a fantastic achievement!

“The girls come out fighting each week and never leave the pitch without smiles on their faces.

“We couldn’t be prouder of them!"

Russo was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Maidstone in February this year and councillors queued up to say what an inspiration she must be to the women’s game.

The 25-year-old played a significant role in securing the Lionesses victory at the European Championships in 2022 and a place in the Women’s World Cup Final in August last year. She currently plays for Arsenal.