EASINGWOLD Town's junior football section is booming - big style.

So many youngsters are clamouring to join the club they are hoping to double the number of pitches and introduce a girls' section.

The club, based in Stillington Road, has grown rapidly since the junior section was formed seven years ago with nearly 200 youngsters, aged between five and 14, on the club's books.

Junior section secretary Peter Nottage said that they have now applied for an FA Charter to be a development club.

"Our policy has always been inclusive and coaching sessions are open to all children wishing to participate. The development of the junior club has been dramatic. The club is booming. We are starting a girls' team next year," he said.

Go-ahead Easingwold have a full 11-a-side pitch, chiefly used by the Leeper Hare York and District Senior League side, and two mini-football pitches.

Because so many of the town's youngsters want to play they also hire pitches from Easingwold School, where many youngsters attend coaching sessions.

Now it is hoped that the club can buy a four-and-a-half acre field next to their current site in Stillington Road and develop more pitches with the help of a Football Foundation grant.

A dinner dance for about 150 people was held at Easingwold School to help to raise funds for the club and explain how they hope to develop.

The club's unbeaten Under-12s enjoyed a brilliant season, winning all 20 of their Mitchell League games. They scored 118 goals and conceded just 15.

They also beat runners-up Thorpe United 4-0 in the League Cup final to complete the double.

That was a case of role reversal as when the two teams were in the Ryedale Junior League the previous season, Thorpe did the double with Easingwold finishing as bridesmaids.

This time Easingwold were able to relive their cup success as players, parents and supporters watched a video re-run of the final at the club headquarters.

Updated: 11:50 Friday, May 23, 2003