GIRLS soccer is becoming one of the fastest growing sports in schools in east Kent. And students at Clarendon House Grammar at Ramsgate are helping to lead the way with some outstanding performances.

The under 13 team, which plays friendly matches and also competes in the Kent league, has not lost since the beginning of December.

Teacher Rob Hume is the team coach and has seen the sport develop at the school. He said: “Nationally it is almost as popular as netball and interest at Clarendon is growing. When we first started, we used a old plastic football, had no kit, practised on a concrete surface and used to stick white masking tape on playground railings for goalposts.

“As more girls became interested, we received backing from the PTA, parents and the school funds which led to proper kits and a set of five-a-side goals.

“Now we train twice a week at lunch times at the Ramsgate Sports Centre in the High Street which has great facilities.”

The high-scoring side has an impressive run of victories over its east Kent rivals with the following results: - Northbourne Park School, Deal, 8-0; Chaucer Technology School,Canterbury, 9-5; Sandwich Technology School, 4-1 and 8-6. The only draw has been against Dane Court Grammar School, Broadstairs, 1-1.