It was a big weekend for Workington Reds when both their Under-14s and Under-16s girls teams started their debut seasons in the North West Girls Super League.
The day was significant in local football circles as Reds are the first club at youth level to offer an elite 11v11 football environment for the female pathway to those as young as 12.
It was an extremely proud moment for all involved, especially as the opening fixtures were against Burnley Women’s FC junior sides.
Head of Girls Academy James Telford said: ”The weekend was something we can all be proud of as it hasn’t been easy to get to this point. We faced a lot of challenge and reservation on the way.
“Through determination and passion to support the local female pathway we saw local girls step onto the grass for the first time at 11-a-side, something their male counterparts have been able to do for years.
“I came into the role around 12 months ago and this has been a personal challenge for me, so to see it all fall into place was a very proud personal moment.”
This season will see the club lay the foundations with the future plans for the Workington Reds AFC ladies pathway and their Girls Academy foundation phase now mirrors the male side offering equal opportunities to both pathways.
They are offered two training sessions per week, with access to a state-of-the-art indoor soccer hub and a consistent and structured games programme with plans to visit clubs over in the North East and Lancashire.
Workington Reds AFC director Richard Lewthwaite said: “The club are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for the best young female players locally to be able to challenge themselves in the North West Girls Super League against their counterparts from some of the North West’s biggest clubs.
“It has proven, through the boys equivalent over the past few seasons, to be the best platform to develop these players and help them realise their full potential.
“It was a proud moment for us to see these girls playing under the famous Workington Reds brand and we look forward to working with and supporting them for many years to come.
“We would like to give huge thank you to our sponsors who have made this year possible with their generosity – Under-14s – Flawed and Under-16s – West Lakes Demolition, GMB, Storm Interior Systems, Fowler Bros and GMB.”
The youngsters enjoyed their trip to Burnley, particularly the Under-14s who won 4-2 while the Under-16s will learn from their 6-0 defeat.
