COLUMN: Chesterfield Ladies FC blossoming thanks to CFC Community Trust

Chesterfield Ladies FC: Back, from left - S. Newbold (assistant manager), M. Macefield, R. Paulucci, L. Glossop, N. Watson, S. Barber (manager), L. Divens, L. Harris, G. Camfield, D. Barber (coach). Bottom, from left - G. Ball, H. Beresford, G. Newbold, S. Stokes (captain), L. Everley, E. Rowley, A. Hearnshaw, M. Weston

I have been involved in the many developments the club has been a part of but it wasn’t until recently that the club’s progression blossomed.

This was a result of Chesterfield FC Community Trust, where the club have been given remarkable opportunities.

Another opportunity was given by the Derbyshire Times, who invited the club to promote women’s football.

Chesterfield Ladies FC is a Charter Standard Club, run by volunteers and backed by sponsors’ funding, providing football for women and girls in the Chesterfield and surrounding area of North East Derbyshire.

The club has been established for over 25 years, playing football in the Sheffield and Hallamshire Girls County League and Sheffield and Hallamshire Womens County League.

A five-year deal with Chesterfield FC Community Trust has been secured to help take things forward.

This has been bolstered by Chesterfield FC who have donated kit and equipment.

This has given us a direct link to the Spireites and has enabled us to use the Chesterfield badge, giving us significance alongside the men’s team.

Our adult first team are not only football players, they have full-time jobs.

But The Trust has enabled some to secure jobs as coaches at Chesterfield FC.

First team members often make special appearances within schools and at female football tournaments, promoting women’s football to the younger generation.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to talk and work with younger female players,” says player coach Alyss Hearnshaw, “sharing knowledge and promoting the many benefits of playing football outside of school, driven by the passion we have for the game.”

Chesterfield Ladies FC have struggled to find facilities to train in, however the association with the Trust has enabled us to use the gym and the pool to strengthen our players and we’ve had the opportunity to use the Proact pitch.

Training is now situated at St Marys School for the winter season and we are currently using Highfield Park, Newbold for our home fixtures.

We have sides at Under 12, 13, 14, 15, 18 and our first team, who have kicked off the season in high spirits.

You can follow us on Twitter @ChesterfieldLFC or visit our website at www.chesterfieldladies.com.