Next generation kicking off shackles

With more and more girls lacing up their soccer shoes, hopes are high the World Cup will net more gains for female game

LONDON - For years, Tilly Talbob avoided playing soccer with her classmates as she was worried about getting hit by the ball or teased for her limited prowess on the pitch.

But after giving her fears the boot and joining a girls' soccer club, Talbob, 10, reckons she is better than the boys at her school - and she wants more girls to do the same, hoping the women's World Cup in France this month will encourage others.