[A]mbitious Penrith AFC Ladies received a boost this week as they look forward to the new season with confirmation that their Development team has been accepted into the Lancashire County Womens League. The Development team had been left without a winter football option since the demise of the Cumbria Womens League in 2014 due to insufficient teams. The Development team has had to satisfy itself with a summer football option via the Cumbria Summer League in the intervening years.
Now, with a return to County League football in Lancashire, Penrith AFC as a club feel that they have the structure in place to develop further. Ladies Manager Simon Savage explained “Many of the teams at Regional League level are underpinned by strong Development teams playing at County League level. This means they always have a pool of strong, young players coming through with valuable playing experience ready to step up from County to Regional level as required. Now that Penrith have a Development team at County level it puts us on a par with many of these big clubs we come up against week in, week out.”
Penrith start their preseason training on 22nd June and new players are welcome to attend. Penrith AFC Ladies start their season on Sun 3rd Sept while the Development team start their season a week later on Sun 10th Sept.
Penrith AFC Ladies are also turning their attentions to their Girls section. Savage said: “Penrith has a very proud record of developing young girl players and eventually seeing them progress into our Ladies team. It’s now more important than ever that we preserve this player pathway from Girls to Ladies teams, and build our Girls football section for a bright future.”
Penrith are currently looking to expand their Girls football section and with this in mind have reviewed their structure at Girls level. Savage said: “Numbers are increasing and we have new coaches in place including a specific Goal Keeper coach. It’s an exciting time to be at the club.”
Any female players, Girls or Ladies, wanting to join Penrith AFC can call Simon Savage on 07752-872920 for further details.
Penrith AFC Ladies and Girls have this week announced Mark Slee as their goal keeping coach. Mark brings with him a wealth of playing experience most recently as goal keeper with Penrith AFC Reserves. He also has coaching experience in boys football at the club and jumped at the chance of specific goal keeper coaching role. Mark said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge and cant wait to get started.”
Penrith AFC Ladies are still looking for a further coach to join their Ladies coaching team.