THE Lionesses may have lost the World Cup final on Sunday, August 20, but a Caversham football club has hailed them as winners as they boost “thousands” of female players across Berkshire.

Caversham AFC has said it is expecting to see another “massive surge” in interest for the coming season on the back of the Women’s World Cup.

Caversham AFC head of women’s football, Julie Palmer, said there was a big spike in interest after the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022 and she was seeing a similar buzz this year.

She said: “The women’s and girls’ game is just going from strength to strength and that is down to the Lionesses and clubs like Caversham AFC offering girls a pathway into football.

“They have become real heroes and role models to thousands.”

Caversham AFC started the first girls team 15 years ago that has grown to 170 players last year.

Julie added: “I really wish there had been this type of opportunity when I was growing up.

“I think, particularly for teenage girls, it’s so important for their mental and physical wellbeing.”

Caversham AFC has a team for most age groups, starting from its development centre for under 5s and 6s.

“Whilst the girls are able to join mixed teams, our experience of coaching the girls is that they continue playing into their teens and as adults if they are part of an all-girls team”, Julie said.