Workington Reds Ladies have selected their captain and vice-captain for the approaching season.
Centre back Naomi Foster has been appointed skipper with goalkeeper Laura Miller named as her second in command.
Naomi and Laura had previously played at Abbeytown Ladies where the team enjoyed plenty of success by winning the Cumbria Women’s League on three occasions between 2011 and 2014.
Naomi then had a spell away from football before she joined the Reds Ladies in the summer of 2018 having been encouraged to join by a former player.
Laura joined in the summer of 2014 as the successful Abbeytown team had decided to disband, despite their success.
Naomi is a regular top performer in the team and gives 100% in every game she plays in. She leads by example and always offers words of encouragement to the rest of the team.
Receiving the Players’ Player award last season showed the influence that Naomi has had on the team and how her performances are valued by her other teammates.
Asked what it meant for her to be appointed to lead the club Naomi said: ‘Getting back into football was the best decision I’ve made.
“I love being a player for Reds but now being given the privilege of captaining the team is just amazing. It means even more to have been chosen by my teammates.
“After just four seasons with the team I’ve seen huge improvements and I’m hoping that this season continues the trend and we can build on the success of last year.’
Laura is one of the best, if not the best, goalkeeper in the league and puts in great performances in week in week out.
Having previously captained the team to County Cup success in 2019 she brings a wealth of experience to the role and knows how to get the best out of the other players in the team.
‘Being voted in as vice captain means a great deal to me and I’m very excited to get started.
“Supporting, not only Naomi as captain, but also the development of my team-mates is something I feel very passionately about – the abilities and potential we have as a squad is the best I’ve seen yet.’
Both ladies are well respected and well liked by all of the players, coaching staff and team manager and their appointments have been welcomed by everyone at the club.
Linzi Donaldson had reluctantly decided to step down from her role as captain due to an increasing demands in her professional life and wants to focus all of her attention to delivering the best she can for the team on the pitch.
Manager Paul Mackenzie said: “There are many leaders in our team, so to be appointed as captain or vice captain is a great privilege and something to be extremely proud of.
“Naomi and Laura have many qualities both on and off the field and I am sure that they will do an amazing job, working together to get the best out of the squad.
“The Club would like to thank Linzi for all she has done and continues to do for the team and we acknowledge that her decision has been a difficult one for her to make and appreciate that her decision has been made in the best interest of the team.”
Speaking about the triumph for the England women’s team in the Euros, Mackenzie was speaking for his players when he said: “The full tournament has been an amazing success and a real boost for Women’s and Girls football.
“To see the country getting behind the sport we love has been superb. We just hope that this success is used to develop the profile of our sport and that future generations of female footballers, can benefit from all of the great work that has been done.
‘Leah Williamson, Alex Scott and Sarina Wiegman, as well as others, have spoken after the Final on Sunday about the positive change in society’s view towards Women’s Football.
“Its vitally important to build on this change to encourage participation in the future.
“The FA and Government need to work hard to address some of the inequality that exist today, but equally important is the part that society has to play. We would obviously love to see more faces down at our games supporting us and driving the change, but it doesn’t matter if it’s Workington Reds Ladies or a different Ladies team, just as long as our sport is getting the support it needs to grow, that’s what’s important.’
Reds Ladies start their new season at home to Penwortham Town Ladies FC on Sunday the 21st August.
The club is hoping that they can benefit from the success of the England Lionesses winning the European Championship and the ensuing increased interest in Women’s football.
“We would love to see more supporters at our home games this season cheering us on and building an interest from the local community,” said McKenzie.
“Entry to the game as always will be free of charge and your support would be a massive boost to all associated at the club,” he added.
