THINK of an England goalkeeper with a ponytail and Rachel Brown may not be the first name that springs to mind.

But the 27-year-old is a well-established international No.1 – as well as the Honorary President of Accrington Girls and Ladies Football Club who recently celebrated their fifth anniversary.

Brown started her career as a teenager with the club Accrington Ladies, formed in late 2002, which merged with Accrington Girls Soccer Academy (AGSA) in 2004 - and meant the girls could move up the ranks at the same club from junior to senior level.

AGSA had originally been formed by a number of dedicated parents whose daughters wanted to play regular football and, when it started, the academy comprised of just two teams. Five years on and the club has grown further than any of the originators could have imagined.

It now fields five junior sides from Under 11s to 17s as well as two senior teams. And the club is also active in the local community, inviting girls from schools across the area to take part in taster sessions.

Anne Ellwood, the club’s schools liaison officer, said: "There’s a great friendship within the club and you can see that when they play. They look after each other and treat each other with respect."

It is hoped that a new Under 10s team will be in place for next season and the Under nines already play in a friendly league.

The club is also applying to become a Charter Standard Development Club - a nationally-recognised award, given to grassroots clubs that support best footballing practice on and off the pitch.

Anne added: "Achieving Development Club status could open more avenues for funding through the FA. It tells people it is a good club run in the correct manner."

AGSA are benefiting from the increasing profile of women’s football. The 2005 European Champion-ships were staged in the North West, and last summer's World Cup also attracted much media interest.

With players such as Brown acting as role models for aspiring youngsters the club might well produce more internationals soon.

AGSA play at Livingstone Road and summer training sessions began on April 1. For further information call 01254 389367 or visit www.aglfc.org