The QuickLine Lincolnshire Women & Girls Football League is a league dedicated to providing competitive football opportunities for women and girls across Lincolnshire, ranging from under 8s to open-age players.

This league, which serves as an essential platform for female footballers in the region, has faced its fair share of challenges—yet, through the determination, passion, and hard work of a newly-formed committee, it has thrived, providing more opportunities than ever for female athletes to play the sport they love.

A League in Transition: Overcoming Initial Struggles

The 2023 season marked the beginning of a new chapter for the QuickLine Lincolnshire Women & Girls Football League, with a brand-new committee taking the reins. However, this transition wasn’t without its difficulties. The committee faced the unique challenge of working together for the first time, and due to issues with the previous season, there was no clear season plan in place when the league kicked off in September. Despite this setback, the committee worked tirelessly to ensure that the league could continue running and that players could still enjoy competitive football.

As the season started, the committee was still in the process of developing a full season plan while learning how to collaborate effectively. The situation became more complicated when some volunteers had to leave due to personal reasons. Yet, through all these challenges, one individual’s dedication stood out: Lynn Green, the chair of the league.

Lynn’s leadership has been instrumental in the league's survival during its first season. Her listening ear, her unwavering commitment to the league’s mission, and her passion for women’s and girls' football have kept the league afloat during its most turbulent moments. Without her and her determination to ensure that girls and women had the chance to play football, the league would have struggled to remain operational. Lynn’s leadership and vision have created a solid foundation for the league’s continued growth and success in future years.

Building Solid Foundations for Growth

The first year of the committee saw many hurdles, but it also brought important victories. One major achievement was securing sponsorship for a hardship fund. This initiative will enable more women and girls to access football, particularly those who might have faced financial barriers. For many players and their families, this sponsorship means that the game can be made accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints.

Without the committee’s tireless efforts, the league would have remained under the remit of Lincolnshire FA, limiting its potential for growth and reducing its impact on local communities. The committee has worked hard to expand the reach of women’s football in Lincolnshire, and as a result, the league has flourished. This is a testament to the determination and passion of those working behind the scenes.

The Unsung Heroes: Key Individuals Who Make a Difference

Several individuals have played a crucial role in the success of the league, and it’s impossible to overlook the tireless work of Carole. As a volunteer for both the league and her club, Greenbank Girls, Carole’s contributions are nothing short of extraordinary. Carole is responsible for the league’s social media, where she keeps everyone updated and makes sure players' achievements are recognised and celebrated. She also organises festivals, trophy events, and successfully helped organise an International Women’s Day event that brought attention to the league's work.

Carole’s infectious positivity and enthusiasm for the game have had a significant impact on the league and the players involved. Her tireless efforts have kept everyone engaged, motivated, and excited about the game. The girls she has encouraged to play are innumerable, and her dedication to ensuring the success of the league and its members cannot be overstated. Carole’s permanent positivity creates an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Inspirational Leadership: Lynn and Her Commitment to All

The leadership of Lynn Green has been pivotal in the league’s growth. In addition to her role as the league chair, Lynn works with several clubs and organisations, giving her weekends to support clubs such as Barton Town and Barton Inclusive. Her kindness, support, and ability to make everyone feel welcome and included in football have earned her immense respect. Lynn is known for her positive attitude and is regarded as a true inspirational leader, not just in women’s football but also in disability football, making sure that no one feels secluded or different.

Lynn’s approach to leadership is one of empathy, inclusion, and community building. She leads by example and has earned the admiration of everyone she works with. Her impact on the league and the wider football community is profound, and her work continues to inspire others to become more involved in women’s and girls’ football.

Volunteer Spirit: Jo’s Commitment to the Cause

Another key individual is Jo, who joined the committee in July after volunteering with an inclusive club locally for six months. Jo’s enthusiasm and willingness to take on any task have quickly made her an invaluable member of the team. She has worked tirelessly for the league, organising festivals and ensuring that every player has an opportunity to play. Jo’s contributions extend beyond just the league; she also volunteers for her local Ability Counts League, dedicating her time and energy to ensure the inclusivity of football in her community.

Jo’s ability to balance her volunteer work with her full-time job speaks to her commitment to the cause. She is always the first to volunteer for a task, and her positive attitude and hard work make a tangible difference in the lives of those she helps.

A League on the Rise

Despite the many challenges faced in its first season, the QuickLine Lincolnshire Women & Girls Football League has made remarkable strides. A newly-formed committee, with no prior experience, has successfully provided football opportunities for females across the county, and the league is poised for even greater success in the coming years. Many committee members have committed to another season, and new clubs are joining the league, further strengthening its foundations.

The league’s success is a direct result of the passion, determination, and commitment of the individuals involved. Lynn, Carole, Jo, and the rest of the committee have worked tirelessly to make the female game more visible and accessible in Lincolnshire. They’ve created a solid home for girls and women’s football, ensuring that the game continues to grow in all communities around the region.

The QuickLine Lincolnshire Women & Girls Football League is a shining example of what can be achieved when dedicated volunteers come together to make a difference. Despite facing many obstacles, they’ve proven that with the right leadership, passion, and a commitment to inclusivity, the female game can thrive in Lincolnshire and beyond.

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