2022 is a historic year for women’s football in England, following the success of the Lionesses bringing football home as winners of the Euro 22, beating Germany in the final. The first fixture of the season on Sunday, 21st August at 2pm for Accrington Stanley Women sees them play another founder member of the football league, Preston North End at the Arbories Memorial Sports Ground, Padiham.
East Lancashire has a rich history of football, dating back to 1888 with the formation of the League, and both clubs forming part of the ‘Original Twelve’. Preston North End Women’s team were originally known as the Dick, Kerr Ladies FC, after the factory works team formed while men were away fighting in World War I – they even played internationally. The teams now play in the North West Women’s Regional Football League Division One North, the sixth tier of the English women’s football pyramid.
Bryn Tracey, Accrington Stanley Women Head Coach, said: “Anyone who wants to cheer on women’s football following the success of the Lionesses is welcome down at the Arbories, tickets are just £3 per adult and £1 for under 18s and there’s a real family atmosphere.
Last season we were a newly promoted side and did really well finishing seventh. Our recruitment over the summer has been really good, and this is the strongest squad we have had in the two years I have been here. We are looking to kick on at a regional level and try and position ourselves in the top four or five moving forward.
In terms of players to watch out for, we have brought in Jordan Harding who at 20 has previously been in the Academy system in Spain, and also been part of Tottenham Hotspur u23s. We are renowned for giving youth a chance and also have 16 year old Megan Rodriguez fresh from junior football, who is the cousin of Burnley forward Jay Rodriguez, making her debut this season. Last year we were the youngest side in the league and the FA Cup, fortunately this season we have added a bit more experience with Paula Jolly signing for us. Looking forward to the game!”
The Arbories Memorial Stadium is located on Arbories Avenue, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8LB. Kick off is at 2pm, tickets cost £3 per adult and £1 for under 18s and you can pay on the door. Food and refreshments are available.
Accrington Stanley Women are actively looking for more players, and coaches. If you’d like to try a taster session, please email enquiries@aswomen.org
