Arsenal have entered into a partnership with Women’s football club Hitchin Belles.

Hitchin Belles have become a new affiliate of Arsenal’s. According to the Islington Gazette, the new partnership will enable Hitchin to access monthly coaching plans, tickets for Arsenal Women’s games and a link to a player ambassador, amongst other benefits.

The aim of the partnership is to create more opportunities for female players and coaches during a time when the women’s game is growing.

On the partnership, Arsenal development officer Tom Harley said: “It is great that we can support our local young people at Hitchin Belles inspiring more girls to fall in love with the game.

“This is a great opportunity for clubs to get involved in the Arsenal Women’s Sister Club Programme as there is an increase in interest and support for girl’s football at the moment.”

Chairman of Hitchen Belles Gemma Smith added: “We’re delighted Hitchin Belles have been accepted as an Arsenal sister club.

“The Arsenal Women’s Sister Club Programme will enable us to enhance the development of our players and our coaches and open up a number of great opportunities that wouldn’t normally be available to us as a grassroots club.

“Hitchin Belles has one aim in mind, to grow girls football and we can’t wait to work alongside Arsenal in the Sister Club Programme.”

Hitchin Belles were formed in 1997 and has more than 170 girls registered to play across 11 different teams, in addition to a Women’s team. Arsenal’s new partnership with them is an acknowledgement of the fantastic work they’re doing.

The Gunners are one of the biggest and most recognised clubs in Women’s football, so it’s good to see them doing their bit to get more girls interested in playing.

With the success of the England national team and increased television exposure, the Women’s game is becoming more and more popular. Now is the time to capitalise on that and develop a new generation of players who will take the game forward.