KENOVA, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Sunday night football just got a little more interesting in the Tri-state, with the introduction of The West Virginia Bruisers.

The Bruisers are a semi-professional all women’s football team based out of Ceredo-Kenova. They formed at the end of 2008 out of the now defunct West Virginia Wonders.

Most of the women on the roster joined the team for the same reason.

“I’ve always wanted to play football,” said Marissa Varney. Varney is a “wing back” for the Bruisers.

“Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always wanted to play football but never got the opportunity because I’m a woman,” said Brenda Graves. Graves is not only a player, but also the owner of the Bruisers.

The team practices at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday night at Virginia Point in Kenova. Their first game is not until April of 2010, but their coach, Tony Douglas, says there is a reason for these early practices.

“We’ve had to start a year early just to get everybody up to speed,” Coach Douglas said.

Players are still in the process of learning proper football technique and plays.

“We are all just out here learning the basics, the numbering systems, where you want to go, your slot, your holes,” said Brandy Lusk.

The Bruisers are in the Women’s Football Alliance, WFA. It’s an organization that boasts 41 teams across the country.

“This is basically the NFL of women’s football,” Coach Douglas said.

Even with that kind of comparison, the players say it has not been easy to build a following.

“A lot of people expect girls can’t play,” said Chelsea Proper, the teams quarterback.

Coach Douglas says once folks see them play they will realize the Bruisers are not playing watered-down football.

“We do tackle, we do block, we hit hard and we are real football, women’s football is the real thing,” said Coach Douglas.

The team is still seeking players to build up their roster. If you think you have what it takes to play, you can try out by heading out to the teams practice on Wednesday or Sunday nights.

For more information about the Bruisers, check out the link to their website below.