32.jpg)
Cirencester Town Ladies return after an 18-month absence
CIRENCESTER TOWN Ladies are back and will play their first Division Two game of the Gloucestershire County Women's League against Bishop Cleeve on September 2.
In 2016/17, the Ladies ended 27 years of playing football due to a lack of players, something manager Karen Messenger admitted was a "great shame".
She told the Standard: "For 3-4 years we ran two teams, before it eventually became just one team in 2015.
"It was a great shame to have to pull out of the league as I had played for over 25 years."
However, the Ladies team are returning thanks to Cirencester's youth side.
"Cirencester Girls formed the u14s in 2014/15 and now 11 of the players are moving up to the new Ladies team," Karen added.
"It's so nice that Cirencester managed to keep a team going and it's great we are keeping a lot of the current players."
Karen coached the Girls for the last two seasons alongside Callum Higginson, who had spent three seasons in charge.
The pair will now be joint-managers of the new Ladies team - fitting for two hard-working servants of Cirencester.
Daughter Libby Messenger has been captain of the Girls team for the last three seasons, and Karen admitted she's hoping to have opportunity to play in a game with her.
The Cirencester stalwart also revealed the club are seeking new players ahead of the upcoming campaign and have extended the invite anyone interested.
"We are building the new team around the Girls team but are welcoming any new players. We train on a Tuesday evening and play on a Sunday afternoon. We start our new season on September 2 away to Bishop Cleeve. We will book in some friendlies but haven't got any confirmed yet."
Karen is excited to lead the Ladies team but is tempering expectations.
She understands the challenge ahead for the young side and wants them competing and getting used to the step-up in quality.
When the Ladies become accustomed to the league, that could reflect in their performances and soon turn into victories.
"This first season will be unknown and I expect will be a lot more physical, but if we can win a few games it will give us a lot to build on.
If any new players are interested in joining Cirencester Town Ladies, you can can contact Scott on 01285 654544 or Karen on 07748 602784.
This entry was posted on 17 August 2018 at 07:54 and is filed under Ladies Teams | Miscellaneous. You can leave a response here.
Bookmark with: