JAMES Beattie may be one of the hottest strike properties in the Premiership right now, but he hasn't turned his back on the grass roots of the game.

Between banging in the goals for Gordon Strachan's men, he finds time to support the unsung youth section of the Southampton Saints Women's Football Club.

Although not officially part of the Southampton FC set-up, the youth section has developed a close relationship with the St Mary's crew - in particular Saints' head of women's football Sue Lopez, Julie Way and the rest of the coaching staff.

Many of them, like Emma Parrant, Matt Beckingham and Peter Horne, double up as coaches for SSWFC youth groups as well as being part of the Southampton Centre of Excellence and community football programme.

The SSWFC youth section was formed in the early nineties in response to the growing demand for girls' football in the Southampton area.

Over the years they have produced many youngsters who have gone on to reach international status - and the talent just keeps on flowing.

Their current squads feature players like Cassie Thorpe, Scarlet Smith and Roxy Roberts, who are all budding England stars at youth level, along with up-and-coming Welsh duo Connie Brazier and Kim Whitcombe.

Classed as a community club, SSWFC youth are self-funded through contributions and support from parents and local businesses.

They pride themselves on being a professionally-run organisation and are committed to providing players with the highest level of coaching available.

The coaching staff are fully qualified to UEFA B level and all club officials and managers are aware of the requirements of the Child Protection Act.

Teams play in a variety of leagues at under-10, under-12, under-14 and women's age-groups and their players have graced Centre of Excellence and county squads at all age levels.

While the club are lucky to play their home fixtures at Stoneham Park - undoubtedly one of the best venues in the area - they need more financial support to help them maintain their high standards in the future.

Costs of kits, pitches and officials are rising at a phenomenal rate but they don't want to price girls out of the game by raising registration and match fees any higher. So, with the help of stars like Beattie, they are hoping to raise their profile and attract sponsorship and backing from local companies and celebrities.

Expressing his thanks to Saints' scoring sensation, vice-chairman Steve Thorne said: "James Beattie has been actively supporting our youth section and we are grateful to him for giving his time to meet the girls and for his enthusiasm for the game at all levels."

Anyone interested in helping or joining the club can contact chairman Alan Boucher on 07833 166931, vice-chairman Steve Thorne on 07831 282639 or secretary Rob Baker on 07836 707284.