A special incentive is being offered in a bid to help more women take up football - a glass of Prosecco.

Following success with Prosecco Soccer in west Cumbria the Cumberland FA are now bringing the concept to Carlisle.

Coaches will lead a fun and informal football session which will be followed by a Prosecco and buffet reception.

Ray Sempill, footballer development officer at the Cumberland FA, said: "We started it in Egremont but it was a bit more low key than what we did in Whitehaven but we've still had 10 to 12 players down.

"We decided to do a big launch event in Whitehaven and there's a club there that have a big girls side so we asked them to come along."

The idea behind the initiative was prompted by an increasing interest in the sport from women following the success and continued rising profile of Women’s Super League and the England women’s national team.

"It's designed to engage new football players or bring back ones that have lapsed their interest," Ray added.

"And to do that in a fun and relaxed way so everyone enjoys it. We have found it to work."

The Whitehaven sessions started on September 1.

Now the team from the Cumberland FA, which will be led by Jess Nelson, are bringing the idea to Carlisle.

Their first sessions will be held on Thursday from 7pm at the Harraby Sports Complex. It will cost £3 per person.

BLOB To book a place go to the Prosecco Soccer Facebook page and message the team. https://www.facebook.com/ProseccoSoccer