Birmingham City Council employee Julia Marshall has scored some much needed funding thanks to the organisers of a local authorities football tournament.

BMG Research, based at Aston Science Park, has held the one-day event every year since 2004, with Julia’s ladies team taking the championship position for the past two years.

Julia, who works as a football co-ordinator for the Strikes Soccer Academy, signed for Aston Villa ladies at the beginning of the 07/08 season, having played for Coventry City for four years.

Players are asked to cover the cost of expenses, i.e. travelling expenses, match day costs, etc. via sponsorship or personally through weekly subs. Jonathan Bostock, managing director for BMG, happily covered Julia’s costs in return for popping down to a training session with the team.

Julia is very excited about moving back to the city in a sport she is so dedicated to, “This move will enable me to play at a higher standard and encourage me to keep doing something I love, which at one point in my life I didn’t think was possible anymore.”

Julia, who lives in Acocks Green, coaches children from 4-14 years, “I have realised a dream of mine and I hope to inspire the kids I teach to do the same, my advice is to stay fit, keep focused and believe in yourself and you can achieve anything.”

Jonathan Bostock certainly believes in Julia’s skills, “I'm really pleased we're sponsoring Julia who, I'm sure, will be a real asset to the Aston Villa ladies' team. I've watched her progress over the past couple of seasons and I'm sure she'll go far in the game.

"BMG supports several football initiatives throughout the year, and being able help the emerging ladies game is a real pleasure for us.