Football is very popular with the youngsters in South Cerney, very popular.

And that’s down in large part to the hugely successful South Cerney Youth Football Club, who have been in existence for some 13 years.

And they have grown at an impressive pace since the mid-noughties, so much so that they now have more than 120 players registered and run nine teams ranging from under-7s through to under-16s.

That’s pretty impressive for a Cotswolds village that can be found three miles south of Cirencester.

“Yes, we’re in a very healthy state,” said secretary Louise Peacock with obvious pride. “I took over three years ago and we’ve had a huge increase in numbers over the past few years.”

And mum-of-four Louise, who lives in Cirencester with husband Allyn, is certainly playing her part because as well as secretary she is also team manager of the under-7s.

“I knew our third son Noah was going to be old enough to play for them this season,” she explained. “They didn’t have a manager so last October I did my FA Level 1 coaching qualification.”

She passed as well even though she admits she’s not a footballer herself.

“I played football at primary school but I wasn’t very good, I mainly played netball and hockey at secondary school,” said the former Deer Park School pupil.

“I still play netball but I don’t play football, so trying to do my Level 1 qualification was interesting!

“Although it’s about learning to coach, you have to do practicals and I found that tricky!”

Fortunately, Louise has a great enthusiasm for all things football.

Her family is very much into football with her husband currently managing the under-12s.

“That’s who our second son Reuben plays for,” said Louise. “He’s been managing them since they were under-8s.”

Oldest son Zachary, 14, is also a keen footballer. He used to play for South Cerney and now plays for Cirencester Town while five-year-old daughter Willow has also had a couple of friendly games for the under-7s.

Girls are encouraged to play at South Cerney just as much as the boys and the club are certainly well supported in the village.

“There’s a duck race in South Cerney every year and for the past couple of years they have donated money to the youth section at South Cerney,” said Louise.

“We bought some shirts for the under-15s and last year we bought some equipment.

“The South Cerney Flower Show is also a supporter as are other businesses in the village.”

South Cerney Youth Football Club are part of South Cerney Football Club, who have been going for many years.

“We’re one club but we have separate committees,” explained Louise. “We do work closely together.”

And it’s something that appears to be working rather well!