WITH 3.3m watching England Lionesses’ Euro 2017 quarter-final win over France, the appetite for women’s football has seldom been higher.

And there are plenty of opportunities for women to play in Taunton.
Bishop’s Lydeard Ladies are in the Premier Division of the South West League, and thanks to the efforts of Julie Bowker they have a strong youth set-up.

Experience is what they’re crying out for, with several key departures from last season.

Bowker said: “The spine of our team has gone, and we have experienced players injured, so it will be a tough season of development.”

They fielded four Under-16s players in last month’s 4-0 friendly loss to Cheltenham, with plenty more training sessions focused on fitness and a couple more pre-season games (at home to Plymouth Argyle on August 13 and Alphington on August 20) over the next few weeks.

Bowker – who can be can be contacted on 07813 158316 – is hoping to pick up a few more experienced players before the league season kicks off in September.

“People are always welcome, as we have a club policy of never turning anyone away,” she said.

On the other side of the coin you have Staplegrove Ladies, who are looking for an injection of youth ahead of their upcoming Somerset County League campaign.

Manager Nick Stilton said: “We’ve always had a problem with having more players the wrong side of 30.”

That’s not a bad thing, as long as the older, occasional players can be persuaded to turn out regularly.

Encouraged by Taunton Vale Sports Centre to build a women’s football team, Stilton and number two Joy Lake have coached many players over the years, quite a few coming from a hockey background.

Stilton said: “If they are basically sporty we can coach the rest into them as we have done many times.”

Indeed, they won the Chairman’s Cup last season with several ladies who had not played football before.

Stilton reckons they need a good three or four more players to have a competitive season, but the good news is that a couple of potential new recruits have voiced interest after his appeal on Facebook.

Those interested should contact Joy Lake via 07432 459772.

Wellington Ladies are also in the County League, and began pre-season training on June 8.

Ladies chairman Leanne Godwin said: “The majority of the team from last season have continued, plus a couple of new players.”

A solid turnout of 12-14 at training each week bodes well for the return to action on September 3.

Godwin said: “We finished mid-table last season so we hope to challenge nearer the top this year [and for a good cup run].”

They played Cheddar in a friendly last night (Wednesday), ahead of games against Purnell Sports (August 8 at Fivehead), Ilminster (August 17 at Ilminster) and Porlock (August 24 at Fivehead) (all 7pm).

Godwin added: “We are always keen to welcome any new or returning players, and encourage anyone to watch any of our friendlies, or join us back to usual training on Thursday, August 31 at 7pm.” 

For more details, you can go to the Wellington Ladies Facebook page or email wellingtonladiesfc@yahoo.com.