THE boys no longer rule the roost at a successful County Durham youth football club.

For after continued success over five years as a boys-only organisation, Chester Athletic FC has taken three girls' teams under its wing.

The Chester-le-Street-based club has gathered a cabinet full of silverware through the efforts of its 12 teams, from under-eights to under-15s, in the Russell Foster Youth League.

But after merging to take on three former Sunderland 24/7 teams - equally successful in girls' football - the boys must share the limelight with their new 'sisters' in the game.

Club chairman Shaun Smith said he hopes to add a further side, at under-ten girls' level, alongside the existing under-11, 12 and 15 teams, next season.

"As a club we're pushing forward all the time and, given the rise in interest in the girls' game, it seemed a natural progression.

"There's a five-year plan in place and eventually we want to have our own pitch.

"We have so many teams, some playing small-sided games and others playing 11-a-side, that we play all over Chester-le-Street and Birtley.

"But, we'll get there and have a pitch of our own in about three years.

"We never turn anyone away. We will probably have three teams at under-13s boys' level next season, but the sole aim is to give everyone a chance to play football."

The club's forthcoming presentation night, at Chester-le-Street's Garden Farm Hotel, promises to be a busy occasion.

Any players, either girl or boy, interested in joining the club should ring Mr Smith, on 0191-388 4260, or committee member Adrian Hall, on 0191-388 8722.