10:30 - 28 February 2008

A women's football team from Walsall were jumping for joy recently - after picking up their first victory since they were formed three years ago.

A hat-trick from Sam Riar made sure that Sporting Khalsa defeated Dovefields 3-2 in South Staffordshire League Division Two to record their first-ever win.Player-coach Amy France said: "With only two games left this season, the girls did not lose heart.

"All the extra training paid off in the end as we got our first victory in the league and the girls had a celebration meal after the game."

Treasurer Suki Sidhu said the side had started from very humble beginnings.

Sidhu added: "The first time our women's team got together was in late summer of 2005 as a bunch of strangers.

"Initially there was quite a lot of interest, so the team began training and bonding with each other.

"Within a month, and without us knowing, the women's team were thrown in at the deep end and entered into the FA's Staffordshire County Women's League Division Two by the club.

"At the time it was pretty nerve-wracking as none of the girls had previous experience in football."

Chairwoman Nikki Mattu added: "During the first season, SKFC women lost every match and we are sure that we may have broken some world record for the number of goals conceded in a season, and for losing a match 28-0!

"Despite this the girls never let anything de-motivate them, continuing to demonstrate fun and true sportsmanship, accepting that we may not ever win a match."

Kevin Staples, Staffordshire FA football development officer for girls and women, said he had been delighted by Khalsa's success.

He added: "Over the last few years, it has been great to see Sporting Khalsa play weekly in the Staffordshire County Women's League.

"Each season they have continued to grow and develop, with their results starting to show the progress they have made both on and off the pitch."

Sidhu now has high hopes for the club - both as a unit and for the individuals that make up its parts.

"Perhaps one of our own girls will go further.

"Hopefully, one of us could be the next Rachel Yankey or Lianne Sanderson.

"Who knows what the future will hold for the first Asian women's team in Europe that is affiliated to FA, but we are sure that it will be bright."

The Khalsa team is unique because, apart from being part of an Asian football club, they celebrate diversity by attracting players from different faiths and backgrounds.

SKFC women's team are always looking for support and new players and anyone interested should visit the club website at www.sportingkhalsa.com to obtain more information.