As we approach the start of the new school year - and new football season - we asked Kerry Neary, Founder of Girls in Sports to tell us all about her business and why she set it up

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1. What inspired you to start Girls in Sports and what problem are you aiming to solve?

The starting point was not being able to access a rugby club for my daughters. As a parent never having sports in my life from a child, I thought finding a club and connecting would be simple, but this wasn't the case. Even attending various sports clubs, there was no-one to speak to from the girls teams. Creating the Girls in Sports Directory, putting all sports clubs under one roof and using a postcode search with contact details for coaches, dates and times of training - this will help many more girls and women to access sports - and with choice.

2. What has been the biggest challenge setting up the business and what have you learned from it?

My biggest challenge has been finding the funding. Coming across old information on the websites I've been using, with no direct place to go. It's such a great solution for girls sport in the UK, but it's hard to find help with funding. But what I've learnt is to never give up, and to follow your dream. All will come at the right time!

3. Why do you believe initiatives like Girls in Sports are more important now than ever?

Since starting Girls in Sports, I've come across clubs and sports I never knew existed, many of which other people haven't heard of either. With 1 in 3 girls in the UK still not knowing how to find sports clubs, this is a huge barrier. Great we have World Cups and increased TV coverage, but it's a very different story at grassroots level, and Girls in Sports is here to solve that problem

4. Is there a particular moment or success story that made you think "This is why we do it!"

Hearing from so many girls and women who have taken the time to contact me, to personally say thank you for creating a space to find sports and to shop women-owned and designed sportswear and products all under one roof. The response has been overwhelming - the demand is definitely there!

5. What excites you most about the future of Girls in Sports?

Knowing this will change the infrastructure of how girls and women access sports, by showcasing all the sports out there - that's something very exciting! Showcasing women-designed and owned brands across the country and working to see everyone's businesses thriving is something I'm very excited about too.

6. For clubs that haven't yet joined Girls in Sports, what would you say to encourage them to get involved?

It's not just the parents looking for clubs, girls have the tool in their hand to look for clubs too. Information is currently scattered across social media, soon to be banned - and girls and women need one place which shows choice. Clubs need to be listed on the Girls in Sports Directory to be found with an easy postcode search. We'll then start to see clubs thrive. The Directory is the way forward and is cost effective for clubs with marketing and promotion done via Girls in Sports.

7. What impact do you hope Girls in Sports will have on the next generation of girls and young women?

Every girl will be able to find a club and see all the choices they have. Girls in Sports will inspire girls and women to get involved like never before. We'll see girls participating more, finding friendships they didn't know could be possible, and finding a sport they love.