It is 6pm on a Friday night at Arnold’s Redhill Academy and the colour purple fills the football pitches.
Dozens of young footballers put their boots on and begin to warm up.
But unlike many grassroots training sessions, there is not a boy in sight.
This is Arnold Eagles Girls and Ladies, the county’s only all-female club.
They have just gone past 300 registered players with numbers set to grow as all eyes turn down under this summer as the Lionesses look to repeat their recent major tournament success at the Women’s World Cup.
But it was not always like this.
Coach Laura Coulthard can remember her grandad searching local papers for a girls’ team when she was young.
His search failed and she joined a boys’ one instead.
The 28-year-old says: “It is amazing that these girls have this opportunity to play that I didn’t.
“So many of the younger girls seem inspired by the Lionesses. It is great to see them grow, not just as footballers, but also as people.”
The club was formed in 2017 and is one of Nottingham’s largest females only clubs, with 17 junior teams and two senior women’s teams.
Most of the teams play in the Nottinghamshire Girls and Ladies Football League with Arnold Eagles Ladies 1st Team playing in the East Midlands Women’s Regional League – Premier Division.
Club secretary Steve Weatherby says the Lionesses’ success at the Euros last year was an inspiration for many players, encouraging young girls to give the sport a go.
And while international success can spark an interest, the parents and players say what happens off the pitch with the Eagles is just as important.
Chloe’s father Chris says: “It is a lovely atmosphere and all friendly. It’s lovely to see Chloe’s progression from the start, from not knowing any rules to now playing each week.”
From standing on the side-lines the family feel of Eagles is clear to see.
Striker for the U10 Kites Isabella, 10, says: “I love that I get to play with friendly people and we are all always included.”
Her teammate Rose, 10, adds: “When you play with boys, they don’t pass to you and that’s the best thing about Eagles and playing with all girls, everyone treats you fairly.”
This friendly atmosphere fills the pitches, with players proud to be wearing the Eagles badge.
As the club has grown from strength to strength the players have also developed their skills, with many not having played football before.
Manager and coach of the U11 Tornadoes, Aaron Paul, says: “Half of the girls had never kicked a ball before, and we lost a lot of games. But they stuck with it and fast forward to now and we are doing well.”
He tells us that his daughter, along with the rest of the team, cannot wait to get on the pitch now and it is heart-warming to see how far everyone has come.
He shares his ethos that he reiterates to the girls: “Never look down on anyone unless helping them up.”
This collaborative mentality runs throughout the club, parents, players, and coaches.
Arnold Eagles has 60 coaches and managers who are all volunteers, and they are who make it possible for these girls to engage in the sport.
Daughter of coach Mark, Isabelle, 11, has played football for just over one and a half years.
She says: “I look forward to training as part of a team because it is always fun and not competitive.”
She adds that she loved watching the Euros and her favourite footballer is England’s right back Lucy Bronze.
Isabelle is excited about the World Cup later this year and believes that the Lionesses will be able to take home another trophy.
For many of the girls, the greater coverage of women’s football is inspiring.
Whatever happens in Australia and New Zealand this summer the club looks likely to continue its growth.
