Forest Green Rovers have announced plans to launch a girl's academy.

The new set-up will eventually mirror the club’s current boys set-up – and develop players from eight-years-old and upwards.

The FGR Women’s team will now become part of the club, having previously been an independent organisation.

FGR Women and the girl’s academy will join the first team and boy's academy when the new facilities are built at Eco Park

On the back of its unbeaten record in the curtailed 2020/21 season, Forest Green Rovers Women have applied to play in the Premier Division of the South West Women’s Regional Football League.

In the 2021/22 season they will play at Chalford.

Dale Vince, chairman of Forest Green Rovers, said: “We’ve wanted to do this for a long-time, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to get this done ahead of the new season. We have an exciting vision for the future."

David Hennessey, head of women’s football, added: “At a time when many clubs are stepping back from their women’s teams, it’s great to see that FGR are stepping up their support, embracing women’s football and the benefit it will bring to the local community.

“We’re all excited for the season ahead and hope this commitment will help attract new players.”