A junior football coach hopes 16-year-old Ellie McMinn’s debut for Workington Reds Ladies will be the first of many for girls in West Cumbria.

Ellie played for Workington Reds Ladies at Borough Park in their recent match against Whitley Bay.

The young defender had been playing for junior side Workington Reds Diamonds, which is affiliated with the ladies’ side.

The ladies’ team now has its own youth section after affiliating itself with Diamonds FC.

The junior club, which was formed in autumn last year, has become Workington Reds Diamonds.

Andy Rush, head coach of Workington Reds Diamonds, said: “Ellie is the first of many, hopefully.

“I was chuffed when she played against Whitley Bay.”

Billy Redden, manager of Workington Reds Ladies, said: “Ellie has done really well.

“I was surprised when she told me at training the other week that she had never played full-size adult football.

“It was her first ever game on a full pitch with grown women.

“I was planning on giving her 10 minutes to ease her in but she played a full 45 minutes in the second half.

“She was as brave as a lion and wasn’t intimidated by anyone.”

Mr Reddon added that Mr Rush has already identified several Diamonds players who could make the step up to the first team in the future.

“With us just forming the link at the start of the season we already have one of the girls in the team,” said Mr Reddon. “Andy has already identified a few more girls we will be hoping can step up.”

Diamonds started off with just six players but now have around 50 juniors playing in the club’s U8, U12, U14 and U16 teams.

Diamonds also have ladies’ player Maegan Durham helping to coach the U8s.