Wargrave celebrate an outstanding campaign
Wargrave Women & Girls FC: Trophy was won while awards event was taking place
When an annual awards ceremony is interrupted by news that a team has won the trophy final you know this football club that has had an outstanding season.
On Saturday, Wargrave Women and Girls’ FC held a mini tournament and awards do in the fields of their base at the village’s Recreation Ground.
It was a busy morning – the u16s were off competing in their trophy final, as were the u18s whose joyous announcement of a 4-2 trophy victory came halfway through the morning’s presentations.
Club president Theresa May was also in attendance to deliver a speech and present former chairman of 15 years, Bob Austen, with presents to mark his contribution to grassroots female football.
A local rising star, Alesha Lunn, was also on hand to inspire future Lionesses.
Kicking-off the day’s official speeches was Imogen Scott, who has just completed her first season as the club’s chair.
She said: “Firstly, we are slightly lower in numbers today but our teams have had incredible successes.
“Our women’s team made it to the trophy final and did incredibly well. Our u18s also made it to their trophy final today – and won - and the u16s are also playing their trophy final today.
“Let me give tell you a bit about the u16s and their absence to give you a sense of how brilliant Wargrave Women and Girls’ are.
“Our u16s are unbeaten in both the league and cup. They played 13; won 13 in the league. The played seven; won seven in the cup. They scored 122 goals, only letting in 18, and five players even secured double figures along the way with every outfield player scoring at least one goal along. That’s the standard of football that we’ve got going on so congratulations.”
Imogen said that other highlights for her this season was a visit from Fran Kirby, one of the England Lionesses; younger players appearing as mascots at Reading FC and the club ‘almost’ appearing on live television.
“We got a request from GMTV to be filmed first thing in the morning to mark 100 days until the start of the Women’s World Cup.
“Unfortunately, the segment was cancelled the night before, but we are in touch with them and we are going to try and get an other slot before the WWC kicks off.”
Imogen also talked about the quality of coaching within the club and how the coaches have been empowered and inspired to change things up a bit – like introducing alternate strength and conditioning sessions into the programme.
There to present the raffle and meet the girls was former Wargrave u15s player Alesha Lunn, who is currently playing at Maidenhead’s United Ladies’ first team. She credits the club for starting her career.
“I played at Wargrave for four seasons and it was the best couple of seasons I’ve ever had,” she told the scores of young footballers before her.
“It may sound strange but to me some of you are the inspiration. I coach football and when I see the girls playing their games, winning and celebrating like it’s the World Cup, to me that’s one of the biggest inspirations.
“If any of you have won your seasons, any of your leagues, any cups, if you have tournaments coming up please, please, please just enjoy it.
“Seeing the smiles on your faces every time we’re coaching you is amazing. You guys are the inspiration and I hope to return it back.”
Showing equal inspiration and admiration for the club of 450 female footballers was Maidenhead’s MP Theresa May who said: “It’s very good to be here again to see a great number of girls who are participating in football. It’s fantastic and you’ve just heard where it can take you.”
Mrs May, who is also the club’s president, extended her thanks to the volunteer committee, coaches and parents.
“It’s giving a huge opportunity not just for health reason but for the camaraderie of being in a team.
“Women’s football is becoming more and more important and we do rather well at women’s football.
“I’m hoping that we might see a few future Lionesses here on the grass.
“You’ve got a great role model here to show that you can go on from Wargrave to greater things.”