Durham Women v Watford - Match Day Programme

DURHAM DURHAM DURHAM DURHAM DURHAM DURHAM OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME ISSUE 1

VS WATFORD

£3

Rotationally moulded street furniture and bins manufactured in the UK. Nest Road, Gateshead, NE10 0ES 0191 262 103 www.plasticfurniturecompany.co.uk

Buy our 100% recycled range online now.

WELCOME

WELCOME FROM

LEE SANDERS GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO MAIDEN CASTLE FOR TODAY’S GAME AGAINST WATFORD FC WOMEN I’d like to welcome Clinton Lancaster, Amber Wildgust and all the players, staff and officials from Watford to Durham today.

the club’s media channels.

The work that the staff and the players put in last season was incredible, but we were so lucky to be able to operate It’s an absolute pleasure to have all under as normal circumstances as of you fans back today after what were possible at the time. Now, we can has been a really challenging time all look forward to an exciting 2021/22 for everyone. On behalf of Dawn and season. The staff have prepared the myself, we’d just like to thank everyone players well and the players have who watched the streams and donated pushed themselves to new limits, and to help us give some money to Refuse it’s really pleasing to see. and local foodbanks over the course of the 2020/21 season. I think everyone As for myself, you may see me more in should be really proud of what they and around the crowd this season as I have done, and it wouldn’t have been look to gradually step back from possible without the work that Mark managing the team as the club Donnelly, John Middleton, Phill Davison continues to grow. But I’m absolutely and Andy Sixsmith put in to ensure that sure that the new coaching staff will the games were able to be streamed. carry on where we left off last season.

I am here to support them as we look As always happens in football, people to move to the next level and push for move on and I’d just like to thank Steph that promotion place again.

Libbey and Chris Sewell for all the work that they did over the last season - and Thanks as always for your support, prior to that with Steph.

But it’s really exciting to welcome Julie Twaddle, Martin Herdman and Stephen Brass to the coaching setup. I’m sure you’ll have you read all about them via 3

CAPTAIN’S NOTES

THE SKIPPER

SARAH WILSON WELCOME BACK TO ALL OUR FANS AS WE BEGIN THE NEW SEASON AGAINST WATFORD FC WOMEN Pre-season has been very good and everyone is now buzzing and ready to get going with the league season this week. It’s been a really positive pre-season - and a tough one - but really good.

have got. You look at the likes of Helen Ward up top, she’s an absolute quality striker for Wales, so we know they’re going to bring a completely new challenge for us - but we’re looking forward to that.

We haven’t had a big turnover of players and that’s a huge positive that we have.

We’ve kept pretty much the same squad and added some faces, but we’ve kept the core group of players that have been here such a long time. I think that says a lot about the club - people want to stay and play and be part of the group. It’s important you don’t have to build from scratch and it could give us that little bit of a head start.

It was great to have the fans back last week and it was so nice to see them. We have really missed them. We did feel their presence virtually last year but it’s just completely different. When we all walked out on Sunday it was so good to see and hear everyone and you got that excitement and that buzz again. We are really looking forward to seeing them today and fingers crossed we can get an even bigger crowd.

We finished our preparations against Newcastle United last weekend and that was a good run-out for us. We were able to practice what we wanted to do and work towards the start of the season. A big thanks to Newcastle for the game and to all of the fans and everyone who showed up to support us. It set us up really nicely for the game this weekend.

Thank you as always for your support - and I hope to see you back here when we play Charlton on September 12.

The league this season will be ridiculously competitive and you can’t call any game.

I think that’s what makes it exciting. We don’t know too much about Watford.

Obviously we did play them a few years ago when they were in the Championship and we know the quality of the players they 5

FINAL 2021

T i c sn s a n o Adults £20-25, Kids £2.50 5th December Wembley Stadium Connected by ee

thefa.com/ticketing

LEAGUE ROUND-UP

FROM AROUND THE

CHAMPIONSHIP WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE FA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP...

SHEFFIELD UNITED GAME TO BE STREAMED

BARCLAYS FAWSL HALL OF FAME TO BE SELECTED Eleven pioneers have joined The FA’s Director of the Women’s Professional Game, Kelly Simmons, on the selection panel for the Barclays FA WSL Hall of Fame.

Ian Wright, Hope Powell, Marieanne Spacey-Cale, Mary Phillip, Vic Akers, Wendy Toms, Suzy Wrack, Jen O’Neill Jess Creighton, Rachel Pavlou and Kieran Theivam form the panel - who will select a small number of individuals who have made a significant impact on the league.

Durham Women FC’s trip to Sheffield United has been selected for broadcast.

CRYSTAL PALACE SEAL DOUBLE DEAL AHEAD OF NEW CAMPAIGN

The Wildcats will head to The Technique Stadium on Sunday, September 5 in the second game of the FA Women’s Championship season.

And it has now been confirmed that the game will be available to view on The FA Player.

With fans set to return to Maiden Castle this season, Durham Women will not be streaming all home games.

Crystal Palace Women have completed a double signing ahead of the new season.

Former London Bees midfielder Sophie McLean and ex-Charlton captain Grace Coombs have put pen to paper with the Eagles.

They become the latest recruits to Dean Davenport’s squad after a busy summer.

7

MEGAN BORTHWICK

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Craig Robson

KATHRYN HILL

AUTOGRAPH:

LAUREN BRIGGS

AUTOGRAPH:

MOLLIE LAMBERT

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Supporting Independence Outreach Services Ltd

SARAH WILSON

AUTOGRAPH:

SARAH ROBSON

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Neil Thornton

BETH HEPPLE

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Darrin’s Super Ices

NICKI GEARS

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Available to Sponsor

IRIS ACHTERHOF

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Available to Sponsor

BRIDGET GALLOWAY Sponsored by:

AUTOGRAPH:

LILY CROSTHWAITE

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Application Artwork Details:

Pantone References:

Club/Application: Bedale juniors back sponsor Date: 04/04/2019 Design Number: AMFS01 Number of Colours: 1 Dimensions: Width 250mm x Height 41mm

White

BECKY SALICKI

AUTOGRAPH:

DEE BRADLEY

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

ELLIE CHRISTON

AUTOGRAPH:

EMILY ROBERTS

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Available to Sponsor

DANIELLE BROWN

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Available to Sponsor

ALI JOHNSON

AUTOGRAPH:

HANNAH GREENWOOD

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Available to Sponsor

ABBY HOLMES

AUTOGRAPH:

Sponsored by:

Available to Sponsor

LIZ EJUPI Sponsored by:

Ian Temple Helen Jobson

AUTOGRAPH:

New start.

New friends.

New courses.

New experiences.

New College Durham. >> Vocational courses. >> Apprenticeships. >> A-Levels. >> T-Levels. >> Degree level programmes.

SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW AT

www.newdur.ac.uk

FIND YOUR NEW

BIG INTERVIEW

THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH DEE BRADLEY...

DEE BRADLEY’S JOURNEY TO DURHAM HAS BEEN FAR FROM A CONVENTIONAL ONE From being brought up in a soccer-mad household in Pennsylvania, there have been no shortage of twists and turns in the midfielder’s route to Maiden Castle.

a college that I felt like was competitive and at a high level.

“I was pretty lucky.”

And while at University, some connections with familiar faces were forged.

Signed midway through last season, Bradley has quickly engrained herself in the first-team squad and capped-off a fine pre-season with a goal against Newcastle United last weekend.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Bradley, though.

It was while at Univeristy that the midfielder suffered her two successive knee injuries - which left her fearing for her career.

But there was a time in the not-too-distant past when the American wondered whether she would kick a ball again after a second ACL injury in quick succession.

The support of family helped her through a difficult spell, but there were of course doubts when the second injury occured.

Although the road to Durham has been a tricky and perhaps different one, Bradley’s roots in football are familiar to many.

“I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out,” admitted Bradley.

Drawn into the game by her Manchester United-supporting family, she has never looked back.

“But with the help of my little army at home I got through it.

“My Dad has always been a football player, so at the age of four I was kicking a ball with my brother,” she explained.

“The first one wasn’t the best recovery, and the second one I was devestated. I felt my playing career was done. I didn’t want to go through the ACL process again, but it was literally a couple of months after playing that I did it again.

“I have a twin brother, so I just grew up playing with him.

“We played with a little micro soccer team from ages four to seven, and then as we got more competitive I started playing with my local club team. I then played for a travel team before I went to High School - and after that I went to college.”

Bradley’s elected to join Old Dominion University and enjoyed a successful spell under Scottish coach Angie Hind.

Named team captain in both 2017 and 2018, the accolades were just rewards for the hard work put in during her younger days.

“Mentally, it was really, really tough - but it was worth it because I’m here now.”

Now a regular in the squad at Durham, Bradley’s arrival in the North East coincided with a global pandemic - which led to a rather uncoventional start to life in England.

“I decided to choose a really good time to come during COVID!” she joked.

“It was strange in the sense that it was just football and school, but I don’t regret for a single second coming when I did and meeting the team, coaching staff and everyone.

“I knew at a very young age that I wanted to play football for as long as I could,” said Bradley.

“It all worked out in the end.”

“It took a lot of sacrifice and it’s a lot of hours, but it was nice to put in all the effort and get to

And key to that settling in process were two familiar faces from Bradley’s University days.

12

BIG INTERVIEW

“Honestly, it was like a dream come true.

“I was at Old Dominion for half a year and then Kathy [Hill] came.

“When I played in that West Ham game I felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders and I was like ‘wow, I’ve actually done something.’

“We played two seasons together and then Iris [Achterhof] was the year after me, so it was nice to have a connection when I came here with those two.”

“Of course, we didn’t get the result we wanted but it was such a big moment in my playing career to even be selected to start for that game. It was huge.”

So how has the American found English football thus far?

So what next for Bradley?

“It’s very different,” she said.

She has been a regular in pre-season and will continue to form part of the first-team squad moving forward into the new FA Women’s Championship campaign - during which the Wildcats will again be aiming high.

“I think the style is completely different and people here read the game better. No offence to my fellow Americans, but there’s more knowledge when playing and it’s definitely brought a better side of me out when I play.”

Bradley has also been able to test herself against higher-level opposition, with cup games against West Ham United and Everton handing her an opportunity to play against international players.

It’s an experience that the midfielder is grateful for - with her start against the Hammers a particular high point.

And the midfielder is keen to play whatever role is necessary to help the side throughout the season.

“If I can come on this season and fill the shoes of the likes of Mac, Beth, Mollie and keep that standard high then I’ll be very happy.

“As long as the team does well, I’ll be happy.”

13

FA ADVERT

LAST TIME OUT

DURHAM 8 NEWCASTLE 0 DURHAM WOMEN ROUNDED-OFF THEIR PRE-SEASON WITH A WIN OVER LOCAL RIVALS NEWCASTLE UNITED...

MEGAN BORTHWICK

GRACE DONNELLY

KATHRYN HILL

BROOKE COCHRANE

LAUREN BRIGGS

ELLEN PACKHAM

MOLLIE LAMBERT

OLIVIA WATT

SARAH WILSON SARAH ROBSON

22 AUGUST MAIDEN CASTLE PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

LOIS GREENSLADE BETH GUY

BETH HEPPLE

ROSIE MISSEN

BRIDGET GALLOWAY

KACIE ELSON

BECKY SALICKI

GEORGINA SPRAGGON

ELLIE CHRISTON

GEORGIA GIBSON

EMILY ROBERTS

KATIE BARKER

LIZ EJUPI

ANNA SOULSBY

DANIELLE BROWN

ORLA CALLAGHAN

ALI JOHNSON

SHARNA WILKINSON

DEE BRADLEY

KEIRA SKELTON

ABBY HOLMES

LEANNA GILES

IRIS ACHTERHOF

MATCH REPORT In front of their first home crowd for 18 months, the Wildcats began brightly and came close to opening the scoring with just two minutes on the clock – Mollie Lambert side-footing over after being teed-up by Hepple.

narrowly the wrong side of the woodwork as the hosts continued to press forward.

A fifth would come before the break and it was no surprise that the lively Hepple got it as she fired into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.

And it was Hepple who would again play provider when the breakthrough did come.

And Durham picked-up where they left off after the interval, with the second half only six minutes old when Wilson tapped home from close range after a free-kick wasn’t fully cleared by the visitors.

The midfielder danced her way into the box before being blocked-off, with the ball ricocheting off a Newcastle defender and into the air before being headed home by Briggs.

Durham continued to dominate and got a deserved second when Hill pounced in the box to turn home from close range after a corner.

A seventh came when Robson’s low cross was turned into their own goal by a Newcastle defender, but the Magpies asked some real questions of Durham after the break.

And a third goal would come second after the restart – Hepple slotting home after another slick home move.

Were it not for some good defending, the Women’s National League side could have found themselves on the scoresheet.

The Wildcats thought they had a fourth shortly after, only for Robson’s effort to be chalked-out for offside, but she wouldn’t have to wait too long to get on the scoresheet.

But as it was, it was Durham who would net again as substitute Bradley headed home Hepple’s in-swinging corner.

After picking the ball up out wide, the Northern Irish international looked set to cross – only to bend home a stunning effort into the top corner.

Liz Ejupi headed narrowly over in the final moments of the game as the Wildcats continued to press until the final minutes.

Hepple and Briggs both then sent efforts 17

FROM THE PRESS BOX

COMMENTATORS’ COLUMN

JOHN MIDDLETON TUNE-IN TO LIVE COVERAGE OF TODAY’S GAME ON DHRADIO.ORG.UK WITH JOHN AND PHILL DAVISON Greetings from the back of the stand! I say that with immense pleasure and relief - pleasure that this will be the first competitive game with fans for 18 months and relief that I won’t be standing on a roof (although I did quite enjoy it!).

At last, the day we have been waiting for, for so long, has arrived! Usually, the anticipation for the beginning of the season is intense anyway but this season for obvious reasons it is heightened considerably. Let’s hope it is even more exciting than last season, and I’m sure you’ll play your part in this!

It is the day that you say hello to faces old and new (there are a few of those), pick-up rituals that have been lying dormant (big breakfast anyone or maybe some lucky pants?), shout and sing to encourage your team again (I’m looking forward to the new Liz Ejupi song with the Celine Dion tune!) and enjoy ourselves supporting our team.

I usually spend the week before today reflecting but also looking forward. I look all the way back from 2014 to now and feel proud - proud of this club I’m privileged to cover and how it has grown, behind the scenes and in public; from being a newly formed team with less than 100 supporters every week to one challenging for promotion, standing toe-to-toe with the “bigger clubs,” with thousands tuning-in to matches.

A place where all are welcomed and made to feel they belong.

Taking of feelings, I wonder whether we’ll feel that wind in the Stand? Thankfully, it’ll be different from the roof - we had some fun, let me tell you - but it wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t. At least Phill won’t have to talk about the weather as much this season - another reason to be thankful for the return of the fans! You also make a commentator’s job much easier, providing covering atmosphere for any gaps.

We’re all looking forward to the season ahead, hoping that this year will be our year; that we can build on the solid foundations in place and improve yet again.

Watford will be looking to do the same, returning to this level of Football for the first time since 2018; we were, in fact, their last opponents in WSL2. They have some familiar faces in their squad so will be looking to make their mark today.

I hope you can join us at DHR before and during the game, inside and outside the ground via our website or various apps; we look forward to sharing the action of all Home games again this season using our new kit which we obtained thanks to the club. Thanks to Lee, Dawn, Mark and the FA for continuing to let it happen.

Enjoy the game and let’s hear the “Wildcat Roar”!

It, of course, isn’t just about the performances and numbers of supporters; it’s about the feeling around the place. Durham WFC is a family with support and great role-models provided.

John @JADMiddy

18

EVERY GOAL EVERY CELEBRATION EVERY MOMENT EVERY TEAM FOLLOW THE ACTION LIVE ON

FREE faplayer.thefa.com

FANTASY 5-A-SIDE

KATHRYN HILL PICKS HER

FANTASY 5-A-SIDE EACH WEEK ONE OF OUR PLAYERS WILL PICK THEIR FANTASY FIVE-ASIDE TEAM FROM AROUND THE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP...

LAWS

Appli

JOHNSON FURNESS

Club/ Date: Desig Numb Dime

HUGHES

Appli

Club/ Date: Desig Numb Dime

WILKINSON

Appli

GK

DF

MF

MF

ST

Club/ Date: Desig Numb Dime

RACHAEL ANNABEL RACHEL ELISE KATIE LAWS JOHNSON FURNESS HUGHES WILKINSON ‘Good ‘Hard worker ‘Hard working, ‘Holds the ball ‘Difficult to get distribution and good makes runs well and good in the ball off and and shot communicator.’ from midfield the air.’ good at stopper.’ which are hard finishing.’ to track.’

ication Artwork Details:

Pantone References:

/Application: Bedale juniors back sponsor Application Artwork Details: : 04/04/2019 gn Number: AMFS01 Bedale juniors back sponsor Club/Application: ber of Colours: 1 Date: 04/04/2019 ensions: Width 250mm x Height 41mm Design Number: AMFS01 Number of Colours: 1 Dimensions: Width 250mm x Height 41mm

ication Artwork Details:

/Application: Bedale juniors back sponsor : 04/04/2019 gn Number: AMFS01 ber of Colours: 1 ensions: Width 250mm x Height 41mm

ication Artwork Details:

White

Pantone References: White

Pantone References:

/Application: Bedale juniors back sponsor : 04/04/2019 gn Number: AMFS01 ber of Colours: 1 ensions: Width 250mm x Height 41mm

ication Artwork Details:

White

Pantone References:

White

Performance Psychology - Coaching - Mentoring Pantone References:

/Application: Bedale juniors back sponsor : 04/04/2019 gn Number: AMFS01 ber of Colours: 1 ensions: Width 250mm x Height 41mm

White

info@gfinternationalsolutions.com www.gfinternationalsolutions.com https://courses.gfinternationalsolutions.com www.optimalstate.co.uk 077717983625

CHRISTON

ELLIE

Uncompromising Quality!

Proud sponsors of Sarah Robson

Print • Packaging • Display

www.printne.co.uk

THE VISITORS

TODAY’S VISITORS WATFORD

THE VISITORS WATFORD FC WOMEN HEAD COACH: CLINTON LANCASTER NICKNAME: THE HORNETS HOME GROUND: KINGS LANGLEY LAST SEASON: 1ST IN FA WNL SOUTHERN DIVISION LAST TIME WE MET: W 2-0 Durham Women start their 2021/22 campaign with a home game against Watford - who return to the division following a successful spell in the FA Women’s National League Southern Division.

ago that it’s been a case of waiting and everyone has been anxious to find out. It’s a relief but the overriding emotion is happiness and excitement.”

It’s been a busy summer at Vicarage Road, with the club seeing four players - Katie O’Leary, Alysha Stojko-Down, Kat Huggins and Chrissie Wiggins - depart following the 2020/21 season.

The Hornets were top of the table when the 2020/21 season was curtailed, and then gained upward movement following the FA’s application process.

In have come a number of players with FA Women’s Championship experience. Amber Stobbs joins after a spell with Crystal Palace while Flo Fyfe and Ylenia Priest moved from London City Lionesses.

It was news that was met with delight by manager Clinton Lancaster.

“I’m really excited with what is ahead of us this summer,” he said at the time.

Jenna Legg and Georgia Clifford have also bolstered the ranks, with Mia Smith and Georgie Ferguson adding some competition between the sticks.

“It’s going to be different preparing for a new league. We won’t be going into it as one of the favourites like we have been in the last two years. This year we’ll be the underdog.

The club’s most recent signing - stopper Ferguson - is aiming high this season.

“We’re going to have to recruit and retain the players we want and do all we can to finish as high as possible in the Championship.

“The aim is high,” she said.

“We’re so excited for next season and we can’t wait to start.”

“The spirits at the club are really good. Obviously a top of the table finish would be nice but just progressing for the season [is the target].”

Striker Helen Ward added: “The initial feeling is of relief more than anything.

Watford have also appointed former Aston Vilal general manager Amber Wildgust to their backroom staff ahead of the new campaign.

“It’s been a long time that we’ve had to wait for the news. Our season ended such a long time 28

THE LEADER

THE SOURCE

RENEE HECTOR

ROSIE KMITA

The experienced central defender rejoined the Hornets last year - and brings a host of experience with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur.

A left-sided player comfortable playing as either a winger or a full-back.

Kmita has played for a number of clubs in the FA WNL and FA Women’s Championship and is always a threat in front of goal.

Commanding in the air, she’ll be on to keep an eye on today.

THE STOPPER

THE SCORER

MIA SMITH

HELEN WARD

One of Watford’s summer signings, Smith will be hoping to begin the season as the club’s number one.

A Welsh international, Ward has a plethora of experience in the women’s game after spells with Chelsea, Reading and plenty of other sides.

The 18-year-old joined from Bristol City and has previously been on the bench for the Robins.

She spent time on loan with London Bees last season.

Focus

on what you do best

Choose

the work that suits you

Thrive

with �exibility & balance

Develop

your skills & experiences

Whatever job in education you are looking for, we have plenty of supply, short and long term opportunities available.

Let us help you �nd your next job in education.

Together, let’s start your search

www.visionforeducation.co.uk/education-jobs

R E N R O C KID S r o f s e ti i v ti c a n u F all ages!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH...

DRAWING !

E G N E L L CHA

We want to see some of your best artwork!

Use the space above to draw an image of today’s game, your favourite player, our club badge - or even design a new shirt!

Ask your parents to tweet your drawings to @DurhamWFC and @VisionForEd and you could win a special prize!

WRITE A REPORT !

THE TEAMS

CANDY’s CORNER

WRITE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE GAME...

HINTS!

Think about these things if you’re struggling to write your report: who scored goals? were they any chances? what about yellow and red cards?

MY PLAYER OF THE MATCH IS...

L L A B T O O F BINGO!

How many of these things can you spot during today’s game?

Keep your eyes peeled!

TOP T IPS!

Durham striker Liz Ejupi offers her tips to aspiring young footballers!

Tip 1

ball as much Get touches on the to play as you can. Find walls ething that Som h. wit h touc two on your bounces back to work a tree and first touch. Pick out the tree. say you’re going to hit with your Keep repeating. Sleep football.

Tip 2

go. In Kick ups wherever you and down your room, garden. Up head- feet stairs. Work on that coordination early.

Tip 3

your Watch football. Watch What . play ers play e urit favo of their their YouTube videos Start m. the dy Stu . hts highlig the pitch! to visualise yourself on

FAVOURITE KARAOKE SONG? Proud Mary!

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING ON NETFLIX? Mare of Easttown

ALL-TIME FAVOURITE MOVIE? Pretty Woman CATS OR DOGS? Dogs PRE-MATCH MEAL? Scrambled eggs on toast with avocado BEST MEMORY IN FOOTBALL? Beating Manchester United at home in front of our fans!

GETTING TO KNOW...

N O S L I W H A R A S

PATHWAY NEWS

LATEST NEWS FROM OUR

CLUB PATHWAY WE ROUND-UP THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE DURHAM WOMEN FC TALENT PATHWAY...

DEVELOPMENT CENTRE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

CESTRIA REGISTER BACK-TO-BACK LEAGUE WINS After a strong pre season, Durham Cestria got their first points on the board last Sunday with a 2-1 win against Barnsley - before following that up with a midweek 3-1 triumph against Norton and Stockton.

The performances have been positive and with a short break of fixtures we will be preparing for our next game at Home to Stockport County in the cup on 12th September.

Our Player Development Centres are now accepting bookings for the next block of sessions.

The centres offer young players a chance to step onto our talent pathway by taking part in weekly sessions at four locations across the North East - New Fordley, Newcastle College, Kepier and Bede Sixth Form.

The second block of sessions kicks-off in September, and demand is expected to be high after a successful first block.

To book your place, visit durhamwfcrtc.ticketco.events

RTC RETURN FOR PRE-SEASON TRAINING Durham RTC are back underway and have had a great pre season so far, with games against Derby, Blackburn and Sheffield United.

We are very excited by our revitalised coaching structure for the 2021/22 season, with Katy Hawkins and Paul Newsome leading our foundation phase and Rob Burns, Michael Harrison, Nathan Harrison, Sarah Robson, John McGuiness forming our youth phase team.

38

CLUB SPONSORS

THANKS TO OUR

CLUB SPONSORS THANKS TO ALL OUR RTC, CESTRIA AND U23 PLAYER SPONSORS FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON...

Teesside Chemicals

39

SISTER CLUB

MEET OUR

SISTER CLUBS HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR SISTER CLUBS - WHO WILL BE PARADED AT TODAY’S GAME! Durham Women FC will today welcome their Sister Clubs - who will be paraded around the ground at half-time.

expertise from our UEFA-qualified coaches - Plus many more!

In return, Sister Clubs are expected to utilise all their season tickets and ensure that their players, their parents and coaches attend our FA Women’s Championship home games!

The Sister Club Programme is an FA-backed initiative which gives local grassroots clubs the opportunity to become affiliated with an FA Women’s Championship side.

Our Sister Clubs for the 2021/22 season are...

Junior clubs are able to reap a number of benefits from this partnership, which gives them unique participation opportunities as well the opportunity to watch FA Women’s Championship games for FREE. There are a number of benefits available to our Sister Clubs, including: - Free Season Tickets for all players (players will be expected to use these at all home games, and attendance will be tracked) - Discounted Season Tickets for parents - Access to exclusive Sister Club Tournaments - Access to pre-match Skills Sessions with our players - The chance to earn Player visits to training sessions, recruitment sessions and presentation evenings - Invitations to open training sessions with our FA Women’s Championship side - Sister Club Days at our games, where your club will be our guests of honour and play an active part in our match day experience - Priority access to any other mascot spaces which may become available - Benefits and special offers from our club partners - Access to insightful sessions and performance

- Newton Aycliffe Angels - Darlington Locomotives - Durham County FC - New Fordley Juniors - Pirelli FC - Whickham Fellside - Parkside Academy - Brandon United - Rossvale Juniors - Chester-le-Street Amazons - Belmont United - Middleton Rangers - Washington NSG Athletic - Hetton Juniors - Deerness Valley - FC Hartlepool

40

FIND OUT MORE! Visit our website durhamwfc.co.uk/sister-club to find out more about the programme and how to get involved!

STATS & FACTS

ALL THE LATEST

STATS & FACTS ALL THE LATEST STATS, DATA AND FACTS FROM THE FA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP DURING THE 2021/22 SEASON...

TEAM

PLD

PTS GD

1

BLACKBURN ROVERS

0

0

0

2

BRISTOL CITY

0

0

0

3

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

0

0

0

4

COVENTRY UNITED

0

0

0

5

CRYSTAL PALACE

0

0

0

6

DURHAM

0

0

0

7

LEWES

0

0

0

8

LIVERPOOL

0

0

0

9

LONDON CITY LIONESSES

0

0

0

10

SHEFFIELD UNITED

0

0

0

11

SUNDERLAND

0

0

0

12

WATFORD

0

0

0

TOP SCORERS PLAYER

CLUB

CLEAN SHEETS GLS

PLAYER

TO

TO

BE

BE

UPDATED

UPDATED

AFTER

AFTER

FIRST

FIRST

ROUND

ROUND

OF

OF

GAMES

GAMES

41

CLUB

GLS

FIXTURES & RESULTS

2021/22

FIXTURES DATE

COMP

SCORE

1

2

3

4

5

AUGUST 22

OPPONENT NEWCASTLE UNITED

H

FRIENDLY

W 8-0

BORTHWICK

HILL (1)

WILSON (1)

SALICKI

CHRISTON

AUGUST 29

WATFORD

H

FAWC

SEPTEMBER 6

SHEFFIELD UNITED

A

FAWC

SEPTEMBER 12

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

H

FAWC

SEPTEMBER 26

BRISTOL CITY

A

FAWC

OCTOBER 3

LEWES

H

FAWC

OCTOBER 10

SUNDERLAND

A

FAWC

OCTOBER 31

LONDON CITY

H

FAWC

NOVEMBER 7

CRYSTAL PALACE

A

FAWC

NOVEMBER 14

LIVERPOOL

H

FAWC

NOVEMBER 21

COVENTRY UNITED

A

FAWC

DECEMBER 12

FA CUP ROUND 3

DECEMBER 19

BLACKBURN

H

FAWC

JANUARY 9

LEWES

A

FAWC

JANUARY 16

CRYSTAL PALACE

H

FAWC

JANUARY 23

SHEFFIELD UNITED

H

FAWC

FEBRUARY 6

LONDON CITY

A

FAWC

FEBRUARY 13

BRISTOL CITY

H

FAWC

MARCH 6

BLACKBURN

A

FAWC

MARCH 13

COVENTRY UNITED

H

FAWC

MARCH 27

LIVERPOOL

A

FAWC

APRIL 3

WATFORD

A

FAWC

APRIL 24

SUNDERLAND

H

FAWC

MAY 1

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

A

FAWC

FAC3

ALL FIXTURES REMAIN SUBJECT TO CHANGE 42

6

BRIGG

6

GS (1)

FIXTURES & RESULTS KEY YELLOW CARD

SUBBED OFF

RED CARD

(1)

BRACKETS DENOTES GOALS

7

8

9

10

11

SUB1

SUB2

SUB3

SUB4

SUB5

LAMBERT

ROBSON (1)

HEPPLE (2)

ROBERTS

GALLOWAY

EJUPI

BROWN

JOHNSON

BRADLEY (1)

HOLMES

VISIT DURHAMWFC.CO.UK FOR THE LATEST 43

Proud sponsors of SARAH WILSON 2021/22 season !

WE'RE DURHAMAGAINST WOMEN TEAMS FC - CURRENTLY PLAYING IN SHEFFIELD THE FA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SUCH AS LIVERPOOL, UNITED AND CRYSTAL PALACE. WE TAKE- AND PRIDEWANT IN REPRESENTING COUNTY DURHAM COUNTRY TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES IN OURACROSS REGIONTHE TOO. THAT'S WHY- IDEAL WE AREFORNOW OFFERING WITHIN A SPECIAL PLAYER SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE BUSINESSES THE REGION TO GROW THEIR BRAND AND REACH A GLOBAL AUDIENCE OFLOOKING MILLIONS. HERE'S EXACTLY WHAT THE PACKAGE OFFERS:

YOUR PLAYER'S SIGNED 2 X DURHAM WOMEN HOME SHIRT, AWAY SHIRT SEASON TICKETS OR BOOTS

MEET & GREET AND LOGO AND HYPERLINK ON 1/2 PAGE PROGRAMME ADVERT IN OUR ONLINE PHOTO WITH YOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLUB WEBSITE ADVERT CHOSEN PLAYER

GET IN TOUCH GET IN TOUCH WITH MADDY.WOOD@DURHAMWFC.CO.UK OR MARK.DONNELLY@DURHAMWFC.CO.UK FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO CHOOSE YOUR PLAYER!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

WE ALSO HAVE A NUMBER OF OTHER OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO LOCAL BUSINESSES, INCLUDING: - PROGRAMME ADVERTISING - HEADLINE SPONSORSHIPS (SHIRT SLEEVE, SHORTS, BACK OF SHIRT) - TRAVEL WEAR SPONSOR - GROUND ADVERTISING BOARDS AT DURHAM UNIVERSITY SPORTS CENTRE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THESE, PLEASE EMAIL MADDY OR MARK ON THE DETAILS ABOVE.

GET IN TOUCH NOW - A NUMBER OF PLAYERS REMAIN AVAILABLE!

PALATINATE

FROM THE PRESS BOX

PALATINATE ABI CURRAN OF PALATINATE TAKES A LOOK AHEAD TO THE OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON...

It’s the bank holiday weekend and Durham Women FC kick off their Championship campaign against a newly promoted Watford side.

There’s a long way to go of course, the football season is a marathon not a sprint, but Durham Women have promotion in their sights after narrowly missing out on their ticket to the Super League last season.

And that’s not all to be excited about, with the club growing year on year, Durham are training more than ever. The further addition of returning fans at Maiden Castle will make it an unmissable run in.

The squad tasted a flavour of the atmosphere to expect this season in their recent friendly against Newcastle United WFC. The Northeast derby provided the competitive edge that attracted fans to witness a Durham win that is surely an omen of good things to come.

Supporters of all ages were poised to see the in-person return of their team who had become all too familiar via last season’s supporter streams.

Wildcats are shaping up to be a force to reckoned with.

The summer has only seen one way traffic in terms of signings with a host of existing players committing their future to Durham Women – a statistic that epitomises the successful trajectory of this club.

Alongside a thrilling fixture list in the league and in the Continental Cup, the year promises to provide a wealth of experience that Durham Women will look to capitalise on.

With some clubs going full time in their set up and, naturally, the Championship becoming more and more competitive, this won’t be an easy challenge for the Wildcats.

But, building upon the progress of previous seasons, Durham Women have every chance of coming out of this season’s campaign with some rather favourable results.

From all of us here at Palatinate Sport, we can’t wait to bring you content and cover Durham Women throughout the season. Come on Durham!

Just the eight goals separated Durham from the Magpie’s nil score.

FOLLOW PALATINATE

A brace from Beth Hepple and Sarah Wilson’s skipper tap in provided assurances that the squad is still the ever-improving, well-drilled unit of their last campaign.

Follow Palatinate’s coverage of Durham Women FC through the 2021/22 season by visiting palatinate.org.uk.

With the extension of player contracts and the addition of new signings such as Liz Ejupi, the 46

ON SALE NOW

REFEREE: ELIZABETH SIMMS ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: JACOB GRAHAM ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: AIMEE KEIR FOURTH OFFICIAL: ED DUCKWORTH

PROGRAMME EDITOR: MARK DONNELLY PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTORS: LEE SANDERS, SARAH WILSON, JOHN MIDDLETON, PALATINATE IMAGES: GEORGE LEDGER, CRAIG McNAIR, THE FA VIA GETTY IMAGES, WATFORD FC PRINTED BY: PRINT NE

SUB

GOAL

WATFORD

START

SUB

MEGAN BORTHWICK BROOKE MACKAIN KATHRYN HILL LAUREN BRIGGS MOLLIE LAMBERT SARAH WILSON SARAH ROBSON BETH HEPPLE NICKI GEARS IRIS ACHTERHOF BRIDGET GALLOWAY LILY CROSTHWAITE BECKY SALICKI DEE BRADLEY ELLIE CHRISTON EMILY ROBERTS DANIELLE BROWN ALI JOHNSON GRACE AYRE HANNAH GREENWOOD ABBY HOLMES LIZ EJUPI

GOAL

13 30 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 37

START

DURHAM WOMEN

GEORGIE FERGUSON MIA SMITH RYAH VYSE ROSIE KMITA YLENIA PRIEST ANNE MEIWALD RENEE HECTOR SARAH WILTSHIRE AMBER STOBBS ANAISA HARNEY HELEN WARD ADEKITE FATUGA-DADA LEANNE BALL EMMA BECKETT FRANCESCA ALI GEMMA BIGGADIKE MEGAN CHANDLER RUBIE SMITH FLO FYFE JENNA LEGG CORRINE HENSON GEORGIA CLIFFORD

29 31 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 21 22 27 25

SCAN HERE FOR CONFIRMED TEAMS