Sport Features

I went to a training session with the intention of regaining some of my earlier fitness that I had lost by working in an office job.

I also wanted to meet some like minded people for a bit of fun as well.

My prayers were answered and a core group of friends formed quite early on.

As a team we decided we would carry on and advertise for a manager.

Soon after we managed to rope in the brother of one of my team-mates.

He used to manage and coach a young boys team and carried coaching badges to give him credentials.

As we didn't belong anywhere, we reached out for an existing club to associate with; all welcomed us, but none could really do anything to help us financially.

The main support we received was from the secretary of Tipton Town, Angela Boden, who put us in touch with the right people and, although she couldn't do much else, her past experience proved valuable to get us on the right path.

Angela broke the news of how much running a team would cost.

All in all, it takes about £1500 per year just to play.

I canvassed local businesses initially but was met with a common response: that they support the boys team or are involved with other charities.

Even a small donation of £20 to purchase training balls fell on deaf ears.

Sponsor at last - and Tony Butler's generosity!

So I tried to think at bit more outside the box and aimed higher, trying several household name companies, but I also didn't have much luck with this.

Since then, we managed to get a local business - Concord Markets Brierley Hill owned by Shane Bastock - to sponsor our kit so at least we have one which fits us now.

One of our players, Gemma Moore who works for the BBC, even managed to get a generous £100 from Tony Butler.

We are still having to support ourselves by selling programmes and scratch cards but people are still reluctant to make donations.

Own pitch the aim

There have been other obstacles that have made it hard for us during our first season: a distinct lack of referees and facilities; we have to share our pitch with the local boys team who get priority.

Ultimately we are keen to have our own facilities and make playing football more accessible to women in our local community.

We have played six league matches of which we have won four and we are currently top of our league. 

We have also played in our League Shield match which we won so we are now in the quarter finals.

Don't forget, for more information on Tipton Town Ladies FC, see the link to our website above on the right hand side of the page.