With the Lincs Ladies Play programme underway at Sleaford United, we caught up with the club to find out how the sessions have been going so far…

Charlie Fytche, SUFC Ladies Manager

“So far, we’ve had a positive start to the Lincs Ladies Play programme. Before we started this, last season we had around 5/6 ladies between the ages of 20-30 turn up and play football but the numbers dwindled down and we thought our ambition of improving women’s football in the area was over. 

However, myself and our Chairman Riley Pickwell had heard of an initiative run by Lincolnshire FA, called Lincs Ladies Play. We looked into it, and it certainly looked like something that our club wanted to be a part of. We applied, and it was fairly easy, including a couple of courses which we both flew through. 

Now we’re about 15 sessions in and it’s had its highs and lows as it is a learning curve for everyone, not just the people who are turning up to the sessions. In our 15 or so sessions, we’ve had a reasonably high turnout of 20+ women from all different backgrounds and abilities turn up. The people that turn up every week are a credit not only to us but to themselves for having the courage to try something new and remaining intrigued. 

I’ll end this off by saying we started this as our way to help the area as it has a low footfall for women’s football and this is only the beginning, but what a journey it’s been already and we look forward to the future!”

Suzy Stephens (17), Lincs Ladies Play participant 

“I started the Just Play scheme at Sleaford United Ladies FC about a month ago after being referred by a friend… ever since I’ve loved it! I don’t have enough time to play competitively so Sleaford United hosting this scheme has helped me and my mental health immensely. The sessions are really enjoyable and a credit to the club for their hard work.”

Cissy Radford, Lincolnshire FA Women and Girls Football Development Officer

“Lincs Ladies Play is a fantastic way for women of all backgrounds and abilities to come together and enjoy the game. The growth that Sleaford United have seen with the programme is fantastic, and testament to the hard work of Riley and Charlie. I know that their sessions will continue to grow and develop and hope that other clubs can follow in Sleaford United’s footsteps by creating an inclusive space for women to play the game we all love.”

For information on how you can get involved with women and girls’ football in Lincolnshire, please contact Cissy on cissy.radford@lincolnshirefa.com

For more on Sleaford United, head over to their website here:

www.theclubhq.com/sleafordunitedfc