A PASSION for football among young girls from Bolton's Asian community was highlighted by how many of them got involved in a football campaign.

The Goals for Girls scheme, in conjunction with the Co-operative Insurance Society and Bolton Wanderers, was set up to offer 10 to 16-year-old Bolton girls the chance to receive regular free professional football coaching.

Community co-ordinator for CIS, Jacinta Massey, was overwhelmed by the positive response: "Over 99 per cent of the girls who attended our initial two-day taster sessions were from the town's Asian community, which both surprised and delighted us.

"There seems to be a strong desire to play football amongst the female Asian population, yet opportunities to do so are few and far between."

Bolton Wanderers' football in the community coach, Adam Makki said: "Cultural and religious differences can prove a barrier to some girls wanting to play football, but Goals for Girls provides a safe, fun, girls-only environment where participants can take part in the game without fear of embarrassment or being made to feel self-conscious."

There are plans to run Goals for Girls on a weekly basis, beginning after Ramadan. Anyone interested should call 0161 837 4913.