THE latest additions to a successful women’s football partnership are making it a real sister act.

Deerness Valley FC and Peterlee Helford Pumas have been accepted as members of Durham Women’s FC Sister Club programme.

The FA launched the Sister Club scheme to encourage more girls playing at grass-roots level to attend matches at their local WSL teams, in March 2016.

Durham, nicknamed the Wildcats, was accepted as one of 14 WSL teams in this season’s programme, and now has now nine affiliate clubs.

Deerness Valley FC, from Ushaw Moor, which has FA Charter Community Club status, has 80 female participants and plans to launch its sixth girls’ team next season.

Newly formed Peterlee Helford Pumas are going from strength to strength, with the Sister Club approval the latest feather in its cap.

As part of the affiliation, youngsters from both teams will enjoy a dedicated Sister Club Day at a Durham WSL home fixture and enjoy free admission to other Wildcats’ matches, as well as take part in tournaments and an open training session.

The Wildcats’ Sister Club programme officer, Mark Donnelly, said both Deerness Valley and Peterlee Helford are growing rapidly, particularly in their girls’ sections.

“We’re delighted to be able to support them with this through the FA WSL Sister Programme.”

Other potential Sister Club recruits should contact mark.donnelly@durhamwfc.co.uk to register an interest or ask further questions.