Wakefield AFC and Wakefield Trinity Ladies FC are delighted to announce a brand-new arrangement which will see the two clubs work closer together over the 2021/22 season.
Both clubs are determined to develop Women & Girls football by creating a pathway for the younger generation of female footballers in Wakefield, whilst also giving opportunities to the open age players to play at a really good level in the Women’s game, with the First Team playing in the North-East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division (Tier 5).
Trinity Ladies already boast seven FA Weetabix Wildcats centres across the district, encouraging girls aged 5-11 years of age to take their first steps into football in an enjoyable environment that allows them to have fun and make friends while playing football. From September, they will also boast a Player Development Centre for 12-16 year old females, adding to the Wakefield College Football Academy for Girls they have delivered in partnership with the College over the last couple of years, playing in the English Colleges Premier League.
Wakefield AFC Owner, Mike Hegarty, commented on the partnership: “We made it one of our main goals to introduce a Women’s section into our club. This arrangement will allow us to go some way towards that and develop both Wakefield AFC & Wakefield Trinity Ladies FC essentially growing Women’s and Girls football in the Wakefield Community. Hopefully it will be something that not only benefits Wakefield AFC and Wakefield Trinity, but the whole of the Wakefield District for the foreseeable future.”
Craig Shepherd, Chairman of Wakefield Trinity Ladies FC said: “We have made some real progress since we launched a couple of years ago and I’m glad we revisited discussions with Wakefield AFC about working together to achieve joint goals. We have a coveted position within the Women’s Football Pyramid, given we sit just one division below the FA Women’s National League and Wakefield AFC have lofty ambitions also so it’s a good fit for both clubs. To be able to work together in the community, whether in schools or football camps across the district, we stand to improve the overall brand exposure of both teams.”
Technical Director & Head of Recruitment Jake Bennett added: “Both clubs have the same thoughts on what Women’s football in the Wakefield Community should look like and with us working together and pooling resources, it can only be good for the Women’s game in this area. The future looks bright and I’m really looking forward to the journey ahead. “
Wakefield Trinity Chairman John Minards also commented on the partnership saying: “Wakefield Trinity are proud of the tremendous progress our Ladies’ football team have made in recent years working through our Community Foundation. Working with Wakefield AFC will bring great on-field benefits as we look to move on even further.”
Trinity Ladies’ next game against the Warrington Wolves Women will take place on Sunday 1st August, 2pm KO at The Just Football MDC Stadium, WF9 5FD.