TEN-year-old Emily King is battling with the Football Association for the right to continue playing alongside her male team mates.

Her parents have always told her she can do whatever she wants to provided she puts in enough hard work and effort, but the FA's rulebook says differently.

Her father Gavin, of Christian Malford said: "Emily played for Chippenham under-tens last year but because of the FA ruling which says girls over the age of ten can't actually play competitive football with boys, she's not allowed anymore.

"We have always told her if she puts the effort in and she's good enough she can do whatever she wants this ruling is ridiculous."

The BBC's Short Change programme has taken up Emily's case and came to Hardenhuish Park to film her on Saturday morning.

The youth programme, which looks at issues where youngsters feel they are being given a raw deal, is due to be shown early next year.

Mr King has spoken to the head of the FA, Adam Crozier, in London, but was told the rules were the rules and exceptions couldn't be made.

But Mr King feels the rules, which have been in place since 1978, are unfair and would like to see them changed.

"I have taken legal advice and to take this through the courts would be very difficult and would cost a lot of money so I am trying to raise awareness of Emily's case through the media.

"People will say the rules are there to protect girls from getting hurt when they're playing but I think it should be up to the coaches to decide. If they don't think a girl's up to it they won't pick them.

"It is an absolutely appalling situation in this day and age."

Mr King added that the European Commission on Human Rights has recently recommended the rules be changed.

Emily's twin brother Harry is upset his sister can no longer play the game with him.

"Harry can't understand why his sister isn't allowed to play because he thinks she's a really good player," said Mr King.

Mr King said that although there were all-girl teams in Chippenham, his daughter should be allowed to choose to play in whichever team picks her.

Emily, who has been playing for the team since September 1999, said: "I think it's quite silly and I feel disappointed that I can't play.

"It makes me sad having to sit at the side and watch because they're all having fun and I'm not allowed to join in."

Her brother Harry said: "I think it's a stupid rule because I really liked having my sister on the team and the other boys want her to play too."

Mr King added: "Part of me could weep sometimes when I see the look on her face when she's sitting on the sidelines."

Katherine Knight of the FA said the main reason for Rule 37 was to encourage more womens' and girls' teams to be set up.

"The rule says anyone over the age of 10 outside school and over the age of 11 inside school can only play in matches with people of the same gender.

"We are committed to developing women's football as a sport in its own right and want to make it the top female sport by four years' time.

"Although at first glance it seems Emily is being penalised for being a girl but in effect it is the opposite."