WOMEN'S football in south east London and Kent is now in a safe pair of hands thanks to a new appointment.

Pauline Cope is the goalie for Charlton Athletic Women's Football Club (WFC) and also for the national side.

She has had a glittering career in women's soccer winning the FA Cup three times and being capped 57 times by her country.

But now she has taken on a new role off the pitch with the aim of encouraging more girls and young women to play the beautiful game.

Cope, who is set to play for Charlton against Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup semi-final at the Valley this month, has been made women's and girls' development officer for Charlton FC's Community Scheme.The goalkeeper realises her new role will be a departure from her lifetime of shot-stopping.

She said: "I will start in April and try to encourage young girls to take up football. I will be going into schools and youth clubs and am looking forward to it."

The only problem might be fitting it all in because she is also training up for another profession.

She said: "We all play as amateurs so I am training to be a black cab driver.

"But that will have to take a back seat when I take on my new role."

DON;T MISS CUP CLASH

The FA Cup semi-final between Charlton Athletic WFC and Arsenal Ladies promises to be a clash of the titans.

Charlton Athletic WFC's goalkeeper Pauline Cope feels the club have a great chance of progressing in the competition.

She said: "It is a massive game and has a bit of spice because it is at the Valley. We are confident we can get the result." The goalie wants people to come along and help the team reach the final.

She said: "Just come along and see two of the best teams in the country battle it out. It will be a showpiece for women's football."

The game is on March 23 at the Valley and kicks off at noon.

Call Deb Browne on 020 8298 2734 for information.