A NEW era begins for Redditch United Ladies when they return to pre-season training next Thursday.
A new management structure sees Gary Barrell, a PE teacher and manager of the Worcestershire County Schools’ Football Association girls’ age group teams, take over the reins of the first team, working in partnership with Director of Football Julian Workman and Girls Football Development Officer Jess Dyer to oversee the girls’ and women’s set-up at the Reds.
An experienced backroom including Ben Brogan (goalkeeping coach), Matt Lightfoot (outfield coach), Emma Livett (head of sports therapy), Rebecca Gwilliam (sports therapist) and Samantha Connell (strength and conditioning coach) will help to support the first and reserve team.
The girls’ section at the club is growing at the moment, with a reserve team being set up to support the first team to further enhance the pathway from the youth team to senior football.
There are opportunities for players to join a club that caters for girls from under nines all the way through to the first and reserve team squads.
The under 16 girls’ team are particularly looking for new players at the moment.
There was double cause for celebration recently for the team and club as a whole as forward Lucy Taylor secured a spot with Shrewsbury Town under 16 girls for next season in addition to the squad winning the Areley Kings five-a-side tournament.
If you would like to attend a session with any of the teams at the club contact Director of Football Julian Workman via e-mail at [email protected].
The team will play at the brand new 3G pitch as part of the £900,000 redevelopment of the Valley Stadium and three signings have been made to boost the playing squad for the season ahead.
Redditch United will have Kelly Farrell (Temple University), Taylor Nelson (Long Beach State) and Valerie Margerum (Long Beach State) – all outstanding players at the highest level of collegiate football in the USA – playing for them in 2016/17.
All are currently playing in the National Women’s Soccer League (USA) as well as having the experience of attending NWSL camps with USA internationals including the likes of Alex Morgan.
The club will be working in partnership with Outbound Soccer, a sports year abroad volunteering organisation, and This Girl Kicks, a community programme focused on increasing opportunities for women and girls to be active through football.
As well as playing for Redditch United, the American stars will support the girls’ growing youth set-up and back local schools football within the Worcestershire County Schools’ FA age groups.
This includes free camps taking place during the school holidays for girls aged between five and 13.
A Redditch camp will take place between Monday and Friday, August 22-26. More information and a registration form can be accessed by e-mailing [email protected].
