AS football fever grips the nation with England's Euro final just hours away, a soccer show with a difference kicks off.

A new drama capturing the fight for women's football is being staged.

Just like the great game itself this will be an action packed play of two halves full of music fun and laughter with no plans for extra time.

Mikron Theatre will be presenting the show in the open air at the games area in Winsford Town Park.

Atlanta Forever looks at the story of the pioneering women in football in 1920.

The show at 6pm on Friday, July 16, is sponsored by Friends of Winsford Town Park.

John Malam, the group's chairman, said: "We are delighted to be bringing Mikron back to Winsford, where a warm welcome awaits them.

"The timing couldn't be better, as not only is the country opening up after the long, dreary months of lockdowns and isolation, but Winsford is to be the new home of women's football.

"Atalanta Forever is the perfect fit for Winsford and Mikron will be telling the true story of the struggle that women's football faced. Football really will be

coming home."

Mikron Theatre

Elizabeth Robin and Rachel Benson star in Atlanta Forever

Mikron has a cast of four who are all musicians and singers as well as actors.

The play is based on the true story of one of three women's football teams in Huddersfield in post war Britain.

Atlanta Ladies Football Club was formed in 1920. During the Great War several women's football teams sprung up, usually based in factories or munition works.

Amanda Whittingham, who wrote the play, said: "I was an 11-year old footballer in the 1980s, the only girl who played in the boy's village tournament and I vividly remember being advised to stop because it wasn't appropriate.

"I still feel the injustice and the sense of shame for wanting to do something I wasn't meant to.

"It brings joy to my heart to see football's now the biggest team sport for girls in Britain."

"I wanted to write about the battle the women's game has fought to survive and prosper and perhaps to tell the 11-year-old me she was right?"

Marianne McNamara, Mikron's director of this show, said: "Women's football is making a comeback and not before time. We are thrilled

to pay homage to the trailblazing Huddersfield women that paved the way against all odds."

This is a Covid-safe show with the audience sitting in bubbles.

Tickets must be booked in advance from Mikron who will organise the seating plan.

Tickets are not priced, instead people are asked to pay what they feel they can.

The audience must bring their own seats.

To book call 01484 834701 or visit mikron.org.uk.