TWO football-mad teenagers are encouraging girls to take up the sport.

Madison Rowbotham and Ellen Glasspell, from Horwich, fell in love with football when they were younger.

Now at just 14, the two are volunteer coaches for the Old Rivingtonian Roses Under 10s team.

The team have the two inspiring teens to look up to as they play and their Bolton Wanderers U15 coach, Rhys Cook says they are made for the role.

He said: “Both Madison and Ellen are natural leaders in my team, and this is a great opportunity for them to continue their own progress in the game, learning both the tactical and emotional side of the game and picking their wits against more experienced coaches.

“More importantly it also gives them a chance to inspire younger girls to get into football and maybe inspire other girls to get into coaching.

“Madison and Ellen are both making a great deal of difference to these young girls’ lives.

“Football isn’t just about scoring goals, it’s about learning new skills, how to play as a team, making new friends and gaining confidence too.”

Ellen and Madison plan and run the sessions for the 14 players aged from eight to 10, keeping them engaged and inspired while being great ambassadors for the girls.

Madison said: “I was first inspired to play football through watching Manchester United play weekly and decided I wanted to play the sport ever since.

“I have always been surrounded by supportive coaches. That’s why I wanted to do this to give back to the younger girls so they feel like they can progress without pressure.

“I love coaching the girls and watching them get the chance to play with their friends and develop a love for the sport. Hopefully me and Ellen can bring on the girls to be good footballers but still feel like they can go out and enjoy it instead of feeling pressured to do well.”

The girls have also improved their own game while coaching the team.

Madison said: “I want to encourage other girls to get into the sport because the women’s game is growing rapidly and I think that if a girl wants to play football then she should have the opportunity.”

Old Rivingtonians Sports Club are passionate about creating accessibility to the sport for as many girls as possible and have three girls teams now representing the club ranging from Under 10s to Under 14s.

The Old Rivingtonian Roses play their first friendly this month and will be entering a competitive league in September.