WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE Welcome to www.ladiessoccer.co.uk covering Ladies Football from around the Midlands area & Beyond with Independent Freelance Media Coverage from Glenn Lawrence the Biggest Supporter of Non League & Ladies Football 2009/2010 Season's marks our 7th Year of covering Ladies Football our Coverage is an expansion of Our Non League football reporting operations.On these Pages You will find News and Info along with Match Reports and Photos from the world Of Midlands Ladies Football.Should You Wish to contact us, please do so using the Contact page? We welcome your comments and Information.Get your Football News On-line with us or kick start you Playing Days Today with ladiessoccer.co.uk and ladiesfootball.moonfruit.com We are always searching for Football Related News and Items from Any Ladies Football Teams and Clubs, Whether You Require New Players - Fixtures - New Manager - New Club Sponsors, or You would like to promote a big game, you are playing in or publicize a Club Function, they drop us a Line via the Contact Page, and it Will be added it to this ladies football Website and ladiesfootball.Moonfruit.com Together bringing You Great Cover of Grass Roots Ladies Football in the Midlands Area and beyond. Want To Play The Beautiful Game Girls! Can you Bend it like Beckham Girls? Teams right across the Midlands Area are on the look-out without delay for new recruits. Have you got what it takes to be the next female football sensation? Midlands Ladies and Girls Football Clubs are seeking to recruit new players for the forthcoming 2008-2009 season starting in September – ages range from under 10’s to Adult players will be welcome irrespective of Age, Ability and Experience. If you're an experienced player or a player that wants to return to the beautiful game with the ability to bend a Ball like Beckham, or, even if you have two left feet and can't even kick a football ball, then there will be a team for you in your local area. Why not contact a few Local Football Clubs that caters for Ladies Football and pop along and watch or even better still take part in a Training session led by FA Qualified coaches. Many Football Clubs offer excellent Training, playing and social Facilities in a Fun Friendly atmosphere to help you enjoy your Female Football with the emphasise on enjoying yourselves. With Teams back in training and with clubs arranging preseason games now is the Ideal time to join forces with your Local Female Football Club. Wherever you live in the Country, there is bound to be at least one local ladies team you can consider joining in many cases, there will be a number of Clubs all searching for new players. If you own a Company or Business then why not consider the endless commercial opportunities available by Sponsoring Your Local Women’s or Girls Football Team or Club. If you are looking forward to playing or offer sponsorship and need any help finding a Club just contact us. If You Would like to Play Girls/Ladies Football in 2008 and are not sure who your local Club's are or which clubs are seeking New Players than Just Drop Us an Email, and we will put you in Contact with your nearest Local Ladies Football Clubs and give You there Website Addresses, It would be most helpful if you can Include the Town You live in and Your Peer group Under or Over 16? That Would Help Us put You in Contact with the right club's. Who can Help You - Whatever You Age, Football Ability and Experience, there's a Club for You, Never Played Before - No Problem Just Pop along to a Training session and watch, Then consider Joining Your Local Ladies Football Club… So what are You Waiting For? Join the In Fun Today.

COVENTRY CITY GIRLS CROWNED BIRMINGHAM FA COUNTY CUP CHAMPIONS - LOCAL TEAM ONE STEP CLOSER TO TESCO HOME INTERNATIONAL FINAL In a thrilling Tesco County Cup Final held at Birmingham County Headquarters on Saturday 17th April, Coventry City Girls emerged as 2-1 winners against Leafield Athletic. This is the first time in the club's history they have won the Girls County Cup. The result means that Coventry City Girls under 16 progress to the next stage of the Tesco Cup competition, the Central Regional Final, to be held at Perry Bar on Sunday 25 April 2010. Coventry went in the finals as favourites having beaten Leafield twice in the league this season but Leafield gaining a victory in the League Cup. Leafield went ahead in the third minute of the game when a early corner came in and was headed home from six yards out by Ellis Read. For the reminder of the first half Coventry never got going and went in 1-0 down at half time. At the break the management team of manger Darryl Fletcher and coaches Alan Beasley and Neil Wilson must have said the right things as Coventry equalised within two minutes of the restart. Helina Phillips got free in the middle of the park and release a shot which the Leafield keeper could not hold onto and Kayeigh Pahnke reacted quickest to bring City level. From this point on Coventry dominated and the winning goal came direct from a free kick taken by Rachel Stanley which was too good for the Leafield keeper who could only help the ball into the net. There was a late scare for Coventry when a soft penalty was conceded but under the pressure, Sam Edgar from Leafield blasted the ball over the crossbar. This lifted Coventry and they ran out the final few minutes with ease. Team Manager Darryl Fletcher (and club Chairman) could not hide his delighted at the end of the game. "I am extremely proud of the girls today winning the County Cup today, a first for this club". Coventry City Girls now play on Sunday along with nine other County Champions at a Tournament in Birmingham. "Next Sunday is a step into the unknown for us" added Darryl, "but I am confident my girls will give a good account for themselves and let's see how well we can do". The Tesco Cup is part of a wider commitment from Tesco to encourage children to get involved in Sport. Now in its fourth year, Tesco works in conjunction with the FA and local communities to help improve the football skills of young players. Tesco Cup teams compete in three age groups, U13 boys, U14 girls and U16 girls at County and then Regional level (Area level in Wales) in a bid to become National Champions and ultimately, to represent their country at the UK Final. The National Winners, in each age category, from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will play in the UK Final to be held at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton on Sunday 16th May, 2009 where they will battle to be crowned overall UK Champions. The 2007/8 season saw the introduction of girls’ tournaments resulting in over 3,300 teams across the three age groups taking part. This figure has risen to over 3,600 teams in 2009, with eight English County FAs entering teams for the first time. Coventry City Girls Squad: Abby Thompson, Hayley Griffiths, Emily Clews, Kelsey Pringle-Andrews, Lucy Finn, Beth Fletcher, Emily Burns, Deanna Ottaviano, Rachel Stanley, Kayleigh Pahnke, Amy Perret, Helina Phillips, Emma Randle, Pavendeep Rai, Lauren Kent, Hannah Wilson, Alex Shilton, Olivia O’Connor For more information on Coventry City Girls contact: Darryl Fletcher, Chairman and Team Manager under 16 Coventry City Girls Tel: 0773 0955 250 E: darryl@covcitygirlsfc.co.uk website www.covcitygirlsfc.co.uk For more information on the Tesco Cup please contact: Kate Brewer, Performance PR Tel: 0208 541 3434 E: kate@performancepr.co.uk or visit the website www.tesco.com/football. Coventry City Girls FC is independent self funded club formed in 1995. The club has no link with Coventry City FC or Coventry City Ladies FC. The club runs 8 teams across age groups from under 10 to senior in a fun environment. For more information please visit http://www.covcitygirlsfc.co.uk/site/. The Tesco Cup is part of a wider commitment from Tesco to encourage children to get involved in sport. Other child focused Tesco initiatives include the Tesco Great School Run and The FA Tesco Skills Programme. Launched in June 2007 FA skills is working towards getting 1m kids in England active (through specialist football coaching) by 2010, as well as 1m kids signed up to practice their own football skills on the website: www.TheFA.com/Skills.

RACHEL HANGS UP HER BOOTS Leicester City Women FC Captain Rachel Stowell (nee McArthur), has retired from the game. Rachel who is married to Leicester City Men's Goalkeeping Coach Mike, played her final game against Aston Villa Ladies last week. The following evening at the Walkers Stadium, the Midlands club held their Women's & Girls Centre of Excellence Presentation Night and presented Rachel with a framed shirt and a book of her playing career which Goalkeeper Leanne Hall managed to conjure up. During an illustrious playing Career which spanned 14 years Rachel started at Southampton Saints in 1996 Rachel captured 17 England Caps, 2 National Premier League Winners Medals, Five FA Cup Winners Medals, Three Premier League Cup Winners Medals and Two Charity Shield Winners Medals, Rachel was also involved UEFA Cup campaign. Rachel, known as "Macca" throughout the womens game started her career at Bristol City and, as a 17-year-old, was a member of the City Ladies squad which reached the semi finals of the F.A.Women's Cup during the 1994-95 sesaon, which including a famous victory over Millwall Lionesses..Moving on to Southampton Saints in 1996 Rachel captured 17 England Caps scoring one goal along the way and Rachel still holds the accolade of being the only Bristol born player to have been capped by England at a senior Womens football Level, Having collected Two National Premier League Winners Medals, Five FA Cup Winners Medals, Two Premier League Cup Winners Medals and Two Charity Shield Winners Medals, Rachel was also involved UEFA Cup campaign. After leaving Bristol City she spent four Years at Southampton Saints where, under the leadership of team-chief Vanessa Raynbird, in 1999 she collected an the Cup Final losers medal after Saints lost out 2-0 to Arsenal. Rachel then moved on to join country's first professional women's football team Fulham Ladies in 2000 spending Four Years with the London Club before going back to her grass roots and re-Joining Bristol City Ladies after just one season a return to the capital beckoned as Rachel joined Arsenal Ladies, after a twelve-month stint at the Gunners where she helped Arsenal to a league and cup 'double success Rachel headed to Yorkshire to join Leeds United Ladies in 2006 where she spent four years playing for the Lilywhites, a spell which was curtailed by a serious knee injury, as well as a spell out of the game to give birth to daughter Grace. After 18 months at the Foxes supporters will miss Rachel's unique playing style and leadership qualities on the field but Fans of the Midlands Club will not only want to send their thanks to Rachel for a great season in-which she helped the Foxes to achieve a Third Place finish in The FA Women's Premier League Northern Division, but their best wishes for a long a happy retirement from the Women's game. Leicester City Women's Manager Rehanne Skinner said “Everyone here at the club has been fortunate to have Macca here as a part of the squad for the last season and a half. After coming back from an ACL reconstruction and also having a baby she worked really hard to get back into football and transferred to us from Leeds Carnegie. Macca’s work ethics, enthusiasm for the game and commitment is a real credit to her and also has a huge influence on the players around her to raise their standards and work hard. When I found out about her retirement, I was confident that the players and managers she has met along the way would have something to say about her career, which speaks for itself, so it was pleasing to see comment come back from the likes of Brent Hills, Sue Smith, Rachel Yankey and Marianne Spacey to name just a few! There were over 100 comments compiled from various people all paying tribute to Rachel’s career which I think speaks volumes. Obviously, we will miss her as a player at our club but with family priorities it is understandable that it has come at this time. We as a club all wish her the best as I’m sure does everyone else whom she has known throughout her career.” But in years to come no doubt their will be plenty of football stories from a Stowell household in-which Husband Mike make 378 appearences for Wolverhampton Wanderers Pictured Leicester City Women's Skipper Rachel Stowell Photo By Kind Courtesy of LCWFC

CLAIRE'S AN INSPIRATION AS KINGTHORPE LADIES BECOME A DEAF FRIENDLY FOOTBALL CLUB Northants FA County League side Kingsthorpe Ladies are the first all-female club in Northamptonshire area to sign up to the Deaf Friendly Football Pledge. Kingsthorpe Ladies and Girls Football Club was established in the 2000-01 season and introduced its first ladies team in 2005. Since then, several moves have seen the club settle at their present home Compton Park Home of Hereward Sports United Counties Non League outfit Cogenhoe United FC pronounced Cookno. The Northamptonshire based Club now have 6 teams, including two senior ladies teams in both the East Midlands League and Kingsthorpe Jaguars in the Northamptonshire FA County Women's League League, plus teams which cater for aspiring players at U-14s, U-15s, U-16 and a newly formed U-10 team. Kingsthorpe Jaguars currently have two England Deaf international players in their team. 21 year old Claire Stancliff has represented both England Deaf and the GB Deaf Football Teams in a number of tournaments. At recent trials, Teenager April Malin who has been a regular goal-scorer for Steve Hill's side this season during the clubs' County League campaign was called up as a reserve for the squad. On Wednesday 19th May, former Northampton Town Defender and present Stratford Town Ladies Manager Ian Clarkson from the National Deaf Children’s Society, came along to invite the Kingsthorpe Ladies Football club to become a 'Deaf Friendly' Football Club. As part of this clubs commitment, they will welcome deaf players to be involved in the club and support the team, wherever they can. Soccer Mad Claire has progressed through the help of several local teams and managers within the Northamptonshire area and indeed a bond was formed when one of her former Club's Wellingborough Whitworths hosted and played the GB Deaf Women's Football team with then help on then manager David Ekins. Claire has recently passed her FA Level 2 Coaching certificate with the NDCS and April is soon to undertake her Level 1 certificate. Profoundly Deaf keen footballer Claire has overcome her disability to achieve many goals including representing her country on the football field but until now many deaf female players would simply have not known what football clubs can help them and indeed many Managers probably would have been daunted by the prospect and unable to accommodate a deaf football player but with the times a changing the message is if you're a Deaf Female, who wants to play football then there are individuals and Football Clubs out there who will help you achieve your goals, Claire's passion and enthusiasm for the game can be an inspiration to any deaf girls that football offers no barriers if you want to play the beautiful game. In managers Steve Hills and Mark Oliver Kingsthorpe Ladies, they have two of hardest working managers dedicated to pushing not only their respective teams but all their players forward. The family-orientated football club is the third soccer club in the County of Northamptonshire to have now signed up to the Deaf Friendly Pledge, but the only all female club in the County to do so. Both Northampton Town and Corby Kingswood are Deaf Friendly clubs, with opportunities for male and female players. For more information on opportunities available to players in Northamptonshire with disabilities, call Kathryn Hall on 01604 678407 or e-mail Kathryn.Hall@NorthamptonshireFA.com. Pictured - Kingsthorpe Ladies Deaf Footballer Claire Stancliff Photo Glenn Lawrence

CLUBS RECRUITING PLAYERS 2010/2011 SEASON COPSEWOOD LADIES FC Copsewood Ladies are seeking to increase their playing squad ahead of the clubs Fourth Midlands Combination League Campaign and are looking for New Players to join them in all Areas, Proven Experience is a distinct advantage. However, if you feel you can compete at a Midlands Combination level and would like an opportunity to demonstrate so then this is a unique opportunity for players aged 16+ to Join a Friendly Family Fun Women's Football Team, who secured a top six finish in their Finish campaign having been West Midlands Champions for the Past Two Seasons, The Club offers excellent Playing and Social Club facilities at Allard Way if you're a fringe player, a new player, or you are just seeking a change of Clubs, then there are plenty of playing opportunities for Players as the Management looks to build a bigger squad to complete at the highest level, Interested? Mick Conneely can give you more Info on 0793 1529126 SISTERS LOOKING TO EXPAND West Midlands Regional Premiership runners-up Stratford Town Ladies planning to add strength and depth to their set up this summer at Knights Lane by developing a reserve squad to compete in the Birmingham FA County Women's Football League next season. Any players interested in training with the Club over the summer, months with a possible view to signing and playing for the South Warwickshire Club, are invited to contact First Team Manager Ian Clarkson on 07792 165620 or to email stratfordtownladies@hotmail.co.uk KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS LADIES West midland premier division league team Kidderminster harriers ladies are currently looking for new players to add to their squad for the 2010-11 season. Players must be 15 years of age and over. For more info call 07761 322406 or email kirbz1@hotmail.com. SKY BLUES RE-LAUNCH RESERVE SIDE Coventry City Ladies FC upon successfully gaining promotion to the FA Womens Premier League are looking to recruit players for the 2010/11 season. Apart from recruiting for their Midland Combination winning first team the Sky Blues will be reforming their reserve side after taking a year out and need to swell their ranks. "Gaining promotion was a great accolade for everyone involved at the club” stated Manager Paul Cudby “it's something that has been worked towards for 5 years, and it's very satisfying to realise that goal. Now we're at that level, it's vital we raise the crossbar in terms of everything we do so that we can not only survive in the league above, but also establish ourselves and build on our growing reputation as a very professional, well run club. Last year we made the decision not to run a reserve team and while there will be arguments that we should have had one, the fact we didn't have one allowed us to focus all of our time and resources on achieving our objective of promotion. Running a reserve team next year will help us evolve as a club and provide support to the first team, It also provides a strong pathway for centre of excellence graduates hoping to play in the Premier League for our first team." City’s pre-season training will commence on Tuesday 22nd June with triallists invited to attend for the first week. Interested players should e-mail cclfc@hotmail.com with their name, age, playing position and playing experience, or call First Team Manager Paul Cudby on 0789 0052459.

McKENNA SCOOPS SKY BLUES " PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD " Midlands Combination Champions Coventry City Ladies ended a successful season with their annual awards night on Friday. Central midfielder Leanne McKenna scooped the coveted "Player of the Year Award" in her first season since rejoining the club from rivals Copsewood. “Leanne’s a true leader on the pitch in everything she does” stated Manager Paul Cudby “she’s massively popular within the squad, her importance to the team cannot be overstated. She does the simple things very well and always makes those around her play better, she’s an absolute pleasure to have in the team and squad”. McKenna was joined by another new face on the honour role as Gemma Clarke, who signed from Solihull last summer, picked up the Player’s Player Award. “Gemma’s been an unbelievably consistent performer at the heart of our defence with our captain Natasha Lynch and a big reason why we've achieved 11 clean sheets in the league this year” commented Cudby. Fullback Natalie Wilcox picked up the Most Improved Player of the Year award as she bounced back from the broken leg that she sustained late last season. “Having come back from an injury part way through the pre-season, Nat established herself as our number one full back at the club through her application and wonderful attitude. Having played a large amount of the time at left back, rather than her preferred right back, Natalie has been a vital to our success". Director of Football Tom Stack was honoured with an Outstanding Contribution Award for his many years of service to the club ”Tom has been an inspiration to us both on and off the pitch for a number of years as a mentor to the coaching staff and senior players” said Club Chairman David Singleton “I'm grateful to him for his footballing insight and his off the field work which has played a huge part in our promotion to the FA Premiership”. Cudby was also quick to lavish praise upon Stack “the time he's spent on the phone with me on a daily basis has helped me personally no end”. Coventry’s burgeoning Centre of Excellence were also on hand to honour their players. Player of the Year Awards went to Tiarna Gilkes (U10’s), Mollie Rouse (U12’s), Sophie Bourton (U14’s) and Georgia Jones, who also collected Supporter’s and Player’s player of the Year Awards (U16’s). Lucy Stead collected the Supporter’s and Player’s Awards for the Under 10’s whilst Courtney Whittle picked up the Most Improved Award. In the Under 12’s Jessica Gates was voted Supporter’s Player of the Year with Lucy McGuinness scooping Player’s Player. Demi Whetton was named Most Improved with Jessica Lundie collecting the Chantelle Lynch Award. Summer Johnson won Supporter’s and Player’s Player in the Under 14’s with Nicola Bywater named Most Improved. Beth Altwasser picked up the final award of the evening as the Most Improved Player in the Under 16’s. ED - Was that Macca on BBC CWR the other week? I reckon so - mind you funny enough I didn't recognise her dorset tones probably because every time see speaks to use Press Boys it in that posh works voice (Evening All), and before you ask Macca... Yes I have been a good Boy... As always!!!.. Congratulations on a fantastic season... What No Picture of You with your Award Macca? those Press Boys at CCLFC must be slipping. Pictured - Coventry City's Player Of The Year Leanne McKenna With promotion secured for Coventry City Ladies, Manager Paul Cudby was able to take stock of the clubs achievement and look towards next season. “To effectively finish the season winning the title at Sporting Club Albion was very pleasing as I felt that the second half performance especially was very good and professional. We were the better team on the day and deserved the win, I have to mention Albion, who pushed us all the way in a very strong league and were very gracious after the game too, all credit to them and I’m sure they’ll be there or thereabouts next season as they continue to improve. “The last couple of games were disappointing” continued Cudby referring to the team’s dip in form after clinching the title “taking 1 point from 6, and not remaining unbeaten all season, it just highlights that we'll need to continue to improve as a team and a squad, which will mean a lot of work over the summer and into pre-season. Next season is going to be a huge challenge for everyone at the club, we should take a huge amount of pride in what's been achieved by so many people at the club this year, yet be mindful that we're going to have to step up in a big way in everything we do and how we do it. Looking back to the start of the season promotion looked a long way off for a City side that were held goalless in four of six pre-season fixtures that included a 3-1 defeat by a Stratford Town side they’d beaten 10-1 the previous season. “Pre-season was tough, and a real low point came in that loss to Stratford, we were outplayed and outfought. It actually proved to be a real turning point though as one or two things were done differently from that moment and the following week we really came together as a group and put on a great display against an Everton side who only lost the Premier League on goal difference last season. Whilst goals were a problem at the beginning of the year, one area that wasn’t an issue was defence where Captain Natasha Lynch led the way as City kept 14 clean sheets. “Going into the season we knew we had to focus on keeping things tight defensively and as the season went on, our confidence grew in our ability to score goals and take chances”. Robyn James top-scored with 17 goals as the Sky Blues racked up an impressive strike rate of 66 goals in 22 league games. “We can count ourselves lucky to have so many highlights in such a memorable season” reminisced Cudby “beating Sporting Club Albion at home in the second game of the season really galvanised the team and gave us huge belief to go on and win the league. Cherelle Archibald’s 94th minute winner away to Rotherham was a wonderful result but my personal highlight came at home when we played Stoke. We were missing Natasha Lynch as well as our midfield general, Leanne McKenna, a 19 year old Helen Dermody stepped up to lead the side to a 2-1 victory where she scored the winning goal from a free kick in the 85th minute in very similar circumstances to David Beckham’s goal against Greece at Old Trafford. “I’m personally really looking forward to next season, with all the support we have in terms of the staff, everyone off the pitch and the players desire, we'll have a very good chance of taking this club forward to becoming a really great place to come to play and watch women's football”. If you’d like to sponsor or get involved with Coventry City Ladies FC, either on or off the pitch, please visit their website www.cclfc.co.uk

BURNLEY BABE BROWN " THE SPECIAL ONE " WITHIN THE WOMENS GAME She maybe Everton and England's Number One but Burnley Babe Rachel Brown has the edge over many Women's players in the game, ask any of the Press Photographers, who regular snap women's football and its Brown, who heads up the Unofficial Press Boys Poll of Favourites Players to snap, Brown one of the most snapped England Players is regularly in focus throughout many camera lenses during the year both on a Domestic and International football front. Modest Brown is the perfect role model for many aspiring girls within today's modern women's game. Seven Years after making her debut for the Everton Ladies 29 year old Brown unlike some of her female counterparts isn't a Bad Loser, putting Brown on the spot she told the Press " No. I'm very competitive with whatever, I do, but I'm optimistic when I lose. I try to take positives out of the game, although I will admit it when I'm rubbish" said Brown with a glint in her eye while we explored some of the myths surrounding the Women's game but what about the post match partying do all the lovely Everton Ladies go out for a bevy after the game? " No - sorry to sound boring, but we're very disciplined, and we don't go boozing! " seems like all work and no fun to Me Rachel, but are Are female footballers just as rowdy in the dressing room as their male counterparts " You Bet, Definitely - if not worse!" revealed Brown, Apart from being a firm fan's favourite Brown's biggest two supporters are her Parents, who try to get along to every game. Rachel kicked off her football career when she was eight years old and living in the Burnley district of Lancashire, and as there were no girls' teams, Rachel to play in a boys' team. Having made her debut for Merseyside rivals Liverpool Ladies at the tender age of 15 having signed from Accrington Ladies FC, Brown has achieved many accolades in the women's game including an FA Cup Winners Medal and describes her best England moment as The European Championships in 2001" But surely being a top women's England Women's Footballer has helped you when you've been out on the pull In Knotty Ash? "No - it's different for us girls. It probably works for the male footballers - but sometimes it works against you and puts Guys off. However, then it can be a common interest, but I really don't go out much - I actually prefer to go away on holiday rather than go out regularly. It's better on holiday because I don't have work commitments, but I will still train. I went to Tenerife a few years back over Christmas, and I still trained everyday" said Rachel. While growing up as a young girl Brown was a Burnley fanatic and season ticket holder, Turf Moor can quite rightly lay claim to being Rachel's second home at the age of 23 Brown had the honour of stepping out on the hollow turf at her beloved Turf Moor in 2003 as England played Australia " I've been a Burnley fan my whole life so it was a honour to play at the Turf," she said. One of Brown’s earliest career highlights saw her participate in the 1996 FA Women’s Cup Final aged just 15 years old with Liverpool Ladies, But there was to be no fairytale winners' medal for Young Rachel as Liverpool Ladies went down in a penalty shoot out, eventually losing out 4-2 on spot-kicks to Croydon Ladies after a 1-1 draw, a result which saw Liverpool Ladies beaten in the final for the second successive year. Brown remained with Liverpool Ladies while completing her studies before a moved in 1998 to the United States beckoned during a five year stint in the United States Brown had spells at both the University of Alabama and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers being named Goalkeeper of the Year for the Eastern Conference every year, and she also holds the Panthers' record for the least goals conceded in a single season. On returning to Merseyside, she qualified as a PE Teacher at Liverpool John Moores University before signing for Everton Ladies in January 2003, Having spent the Summer playing for Icelandic side IBV, upon returning to Everton Ladies in August 2003 Brown suffered a serious knee injury in December of that year that kept her out of the women's game until June 2005. Glamorous Rachel spends many hours playing on mud-crusted football pitches around the world, However, is obsessed like all women with clothes, shoes and fashion but let's not forget Brown's team-mates at Everton Ladies, who like Brown work with her own ethics spending many hours looking after their fans and the poor old Press Chaps arguably If you could choose one women's football team to cover and work at it would be Everton Ladies not least of all because as a Team these Girls are certainly the "Best In The Women's Game To Work With" Rachel Unitt like Brown is not only a fantastic player and role model but another Toffees Player, who has a very big following in the Belgium Press, A seven year wait by Unitt for a third FA Cup Winners Medal ended in Joy on 3rd May 2010 as the Merseyside club enjoyed one of its best days in its history by winning the Women's FA Cup a momentous day for Brown and her Everton Ladies team-mates amid the many hundreds of autograph hunters and photo seekers but as the clock ticked towards seven O'clock on a Bank Holiday Monday after a long and gruelling Women's FA Cup Final day Brown and her Everton team-mates were still working there way through the countless Autograph Hunters and Photo requests as they battled there way through the Fans. For those who have never met Rachel not only is she a Nice Lady she's a true Professional in every sense of the word in what ever she does both on and off the football field that's why to the Youngsters, The Fans and the Press Boys Rachel Brown is truly Number One Brown said of the England squad: "We all look quite butch out on the pitch but secretly love dressing up and being girly. When I am training and playing, I am an athlete - my gender just doesn't matter at all. However, off the pitch, I love clothes and make-up as much as any woman and have to fit my soccer in around my community football full-time job at Everton, Playing for England means you have to be in tip top shape and we all have to watch our diets and can't drink alcohol or smoke. When I was a teenager all my mates used to go out partying while I was training, which I resented a bit. But now I am playing for England, that feels better than any wild nights on the town." But unlike some of her female counterparts within the women's game Brown has not only time but respect for adoring army of fans and the Press, spending countless hours every season after games signing everything from Programmes to Shirts to Photographs and for the barrage of Press Photographers, who snap her while on Everton and England duty and its not unusual to see Brown spending 20 or 30 minutes chatting to her fans, signing autographs and having her picture taken, with a big following both on home shores and internationally in places like Belgium Brown's fan club continues to grow but for any young aspiring player not only is Rachel Brown the perfect role model both on and off the pitch, she's the one Player many youngsters would love a coaching session with, Happy Go Lucky, Charming, Modest, Special, Lovely, Sweet. A Winner and Unique Lady are just some of the words that the press have used to best describe Rachel Brown, although I always though Rachel was much taller than 5ft 7ins, If Jose Mourinho is the "Special One" in Men's Football then Rachel Brown is the "Special One" within the Women's game both on and off the pitch. Pictured - All Round Number One Rachel Brown taking time out with her fans on Cup Final Day

BRACKLEY SPORTS SECURE RUNNERS-UP SPOT IN WOBURN SIX-A-SIDE Northamptonshire FA Counrtty League Side Brackley Sports Ladies finished Runners-Up in the recent Woburn Lionessees Super Sixes Tournament, a goal in the dying seconds of the final denying them the chance of victory in what was their best ever small sided performance. In blisteringly hot condition, Sports started as they meant to go on with a 1-0 victory over Stony Stratford B, Leanne Jones Sports scorer. Sports qualified for the next stage after the second game against Milton Keynes based City Belles Pinks, Kelly Baker's shot taking an unfortunate deflection off a Belles defender for another 1-0 victory. The final group game was against the other team which had qualified for the next round, Hertfordshire outfit Whitwell A. Despite both sides pushing for a victory which would see them win the group, no side could break the deadlock and with both teams records identical, a penalty shoot out was needed to decide the group winner. Two great saves from Kelly Gell in the Sports goal saw the penalties go into sudden death with Rosie Eden scoring the decisive penalty to give Sports the group and a quarter-final place against Launton Ladies. Sports dug in, frustrating their opponents and with another stalemate came another penalty shoot-out. Eden again was the player with the winning spot kick to move Sports into unchartered territory and a semi-final tie against City Belles Blues. Confidence in the side was at a peak and when Jones set up Christina Picchianti for the winner in a 1-0 victory, they knew anything could be possible. The final was against holders Chesham United A, a side who play their regular club football three levels above Sports and had convincingly stormed their way into a second successive final. Despite tired legs, Sports dug in though and continued to hold their opponents, however with extra-time looming Chesham found a winner just twenty seconds from the end of normal time to give them the trophy. Sports can hold their heads high though on a fantastic performance where they did the club proud. Squad: Kelly Gell, Kelly Baker, Leanne Jones, Sarah Whittaker, Danni Pritchard, Rosie Eden, Christina Picchianti, Jo Cox. Sports Ladies are back in pre-season training, with sessions taking place every Wednesday from 7-8.30pm, outdoors at Brackley Leisure Centre. New players are always welcome and for more information please contact Andy Bannard on 07931 370491. Sports Ladies pre-season plans are well underway, kicking off with a trip to Chinnor on Sunday July 25th (2pm) before going on the road again on August 22nd, travelling to Stony Stratford Ladies. Attached picture; Sports Ladies after Tournament, picture courtesy Kelly Baker, BSFC.

MEDIA SECTION FEATURED GAMES The following games have been pencilled into Glenn's Diary for coverage on our Midlands Non League and Women's Football Website our Non League Football action can be found at www.glennlawrence.org.uk All Games are subject to Change, Availability and Press Contracted games will take preference. Saturday 28th August IMOSports Midlands Combination ** Racing Club Warwick v Coventry Copsewood ** (Subject To Any Press Assignments) Sunday 29th August Game To Be Confirmed Bank Holiday Monday 30th August BLUE SQ PREMIER Luton Town v Hayes & Yeading Sunday 5th September Kitchen Fitter Midlands Comb Women's League Stratford Town Ladies v Northampton Town Ladies Sunday 12th September To Be Confirmed A leaked report to the Media suggests the forthcoming New Women's FA Super League will only be covered by Getty Images who have been Accredited to develop Pictures from the New Women's League. The leaked report to the Press Reports and indicates that only Press Photographers working for and on behalf of Getty Images Limited who produce Matchday images for the all Clubs male counterparts apart from Bristol Academy will be accredited by the New Women's Super League Clubs, However as Bristol Academy Women's FC is not currently covered by any local agreements with Getty Images Limited the decision could leave the South West Club High and Dry on Supply of Pictures from their home matches unless travelling clubs send authorised Photographers from Getty However, the dispute is for from simply, a Spokesman for the Independent Freelance Press Contractors blasted the decisions to denied Freelance Photographers the chance to work at both Southampton FC and on the New Women's Super League "This another fine example of the Shambolic Organization of the FA who have done nothing to help our members" but if as the FA State through Press Spokesman Johann Alexander Regarding press accreditation "Unfortunately press accreditation does not guarantee entry to a game anywhere in the country, the club is within their rights to refuse entry to an Organization and/or individual despite them having the relevant accreditation, and this is a matter for the club to comment on, it’s not something we control nor have any rights too, the club and venue deal with their own accreditation" then if this is the case, it is bizarre the FA have awarded Getty Images Limited a contract for In-House Control for exclusive Photographic Media Rights of the forthcoming FA Women's Super League thus denying the Clubs the right to accredit other Photographers who work outside of Getty Images Limited who produce pictures for all Premiership and League Clubs. The FA which had been slated for kicking off the New Women's Super League in March 2011, which will need to take a month long Summer Break for the Women's World Cup, This is another blow for Press Freedom and Seriously Damages the Game, and any Sponsor of these Women's Super League Clubs which have paid for Exposure but whom will be denied it. Football Fans and Sponsors will be seeing No Photographs in the Local and National Press from St Mary's this Season after Southampton FC Banned all Press Photographers from its home matches opting to give exclusive rights to in-house production agency Digital South Media Manchester United, Liverpool and Birmingham City have also sort to monopolise and restrict the supply of photographic Images while Leeds United ban on Press Photographers at Elland Road saw no Pictures of games played at Elland Road last Season appeared in the local or Nation Media as only away day match images were used of the games involving the South Yorkshire Football Club. Every football season seems to kick-off with one club or another banning some part of the media from their games and grounds. Press photographers, as in the latest case at Southampton, are the usual victims, There are two conclusive reasons for most of these disputes. The first is commercially motivated. Clubs want to utilize every possible opportunity to make cash (and stop others making it), as in the cases of Celtic in 2002, when papers responded with a boycott, and Bristol Rovers in 2007, which was soon dropped. The second is pettishness, an profound hatred of faultfinding. Local newspapers and Websites often bear the impact of these kinds of censorship when chairmen/managers/players take something personally about critical coverage, whether it stems from the team's performances on the park, the coach's talents, the state of the ground or decisions made at boardroom level. In some cases two reasons are linked. Though Southampton's ban appears to have a commercial motive one as a Business hell bent on Profiteering at all costs. However, Southampton Football Club's ban on photographers covering home games has run into trouble after Digital South, the agency it was intending to use to create a monopoly on photojournalism, pulled out of the deal with the South Coast Club. Last week it emerged that the League One side had opted to deny photographers press accreditation for the new season, and said that all newspapers, agencies and websites would have to negotiate for images of home games from one outlet, The Digital South. However, the Digital South owner, Robin Jones, contacted the National Press over the weekend in order to smooth out the wrangle and said that he had declined the offer by Southampton as he did not agree with the ban. "I disagreed with their stance on a total ban of photographers from any media source," said Jones in a statement. "I voiced this opinion to the club and genuinely thought that the ban would not take place. It became clear to me on Thursday that this ban was indeed happening, and so I rang the club to inform them of my decision to decline their offer, basically a ban on photographers is simply a bad idea. We felt that we were between a rock and a hard place, because we are sure that another agency or photographer might come forward to do this work for Southampton," he added. "But it is not something we are prepared to do." The decision has prompted outrage among Newspaper editors and owners, with One National Newspaper running a Story headlined "Opposition 0, Plymouth 1" that is highly critical of Southampton's policy. "Today we are printing the most one-sided match report in the history of the Paper," reporter Graham Nickless wrote, The story later went on to criticise Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese's move to ban photographers as a "crazed decision that will hurt his club more than he thinks, After so many dismal years of decline Southampton need all the publicity they can get while they fight their back up the divisions. This senseless move will not make him extra money, but it will turn the fans, and, more importantly, sponsors away from the club," the report added. Last week the Southampton FC Head Of Press Operations Jordan Sibley, sent emails to media organisations attempting to gain accreditation stating that it had appointed Digital South to syndicate all home images. "As such, no access will be granted to external photographers," Sibley said. "Newspapers can discuss obtaining photographs with Robin Jones of The Digital South." However, it now looks like Southampton Football Club has scored a massive own goal after Sibley only invited Broadcasters to a recent Press gathering while banning all local and national Photographers from attending the meeting.

2010 CUP DRAW NEWS SECTION EVERTON LADIES HUNGARY FOR UEFA SUCCESS Mo Marley's Everton Ladies side will travel to Hungary for the first leg of their Chapions League tie on either the Thursday 22nd or Friday 23th September, with the Blues set to play at their home ground, Marine FC, in the second leg on Thursday 13th or Friday 14th October. Everton Ladies were named as one of the 16 seeded teams in the draw, where they joined current title holders FFC Turbine Potsdam of Germany, runners-up Olympique Lyonnais, and Women's Premier League champions Arsenal. Marley will be happy the Toffees avoided a clash with Norwegian outfit Roa IL, who knocked them out of the competition on goal difference at the last 32 stage in last seasons competition. Everton Ladies stormed into the knock-out stages after thundering through the qualifying round - recording a massive 23 goals in three games, without conceding a single goal. Should the Blues defeat the Hungarian outfit, they will face either RTP Unia Racibórz of Poland or Danish side Brøndby IF in the last 16 in November. Elsewhere in the draw, Arsenal have been drawn against ŽFK Mašinac of Serbia. Arsenal will play Serbian side ZFK Masinac in the Round of 32, Victory for the Gunners would pair them against Spain's Rayo Vallecano de Madrid or Iceland's Valur Reykjavik in the last 16. while Holders, 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam face Finland's Åland United, and FCR 2001 Duisburg will play CSHVSM of Kazakhstan. The Round of 32 is to be played on September 22/23 and October 13/14, the Round of 16 on November 3/4 and 10/11. Both rounds are played over two legs. UEFA Women's Champions League - Round of 32 Draw AZ Alkmaar v Olympique Lyonnais FC Zürich v ASD Torres Calcio RTP Unia Racibórz v Brøndby Rayo Vallecano de Madrid v Valur Reykjavik FK Mašinac v Arsenal Legend Chernigov v Rossiyanka K. Sint-Truidense v AC Sparta Praha CSHVSM v FCR 2001 Duisburg Zorka-BDU v Røa IL MTK Hungária v Everton Åland United v FFC Turbine Potsdam Apollon Limassol v Zvezda-2005 Breidablik v Juvisy Essonne Fortuna Hjørring v Bardolino Verona ZNK Krka v Linköpings PAOK Thessaloniki v SV Neulengbach UEFA Women's Champions League Round of 16 Draw CSHVS or Duisburg v Fortuna or Bardolino Rayo Vallecano or Valur v Mašinac or Arsenal Legend or Rossiyanka v Alkmaar or Lyon Racibórz or Brøndby v MTK or Everton Zürich or Torres v Breidablik or Juvisy Åland or Potsdam v PAOK or Neulengbach Krka or Linköping v Sint-Truidense or Sparta Zorka-BDU or Røa v Apollon or Zvezda WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE CUP DRAW The West Midlands League Cup First Round Draw has been announced with ties to be played on Sunday 12th September 2010. Premier Division Solihull Ladies v Wednesfield Ladies Lichfield Diamonds v Kingshurst Sporting Cannock v Dudley United The Following teams have Byes into the Second Round, Hereford Pheonix, Pegasus Juniors, Allscott Ladies, Bradwell Belles, Kidderminster Harriers Division 1 North Stafford Town v Prees Raiders Wyrley v Bridgnorth Spartans Kidsgrove v Chasetown The Following teams have Byes into the Second Round, Coseley Town, Cottage Farm, FC Reedswood, Withymoor Ladies, Bedworth United. Division 1 South Coventry Development v Marston Green Ferndale Ladies v Malvern Town Rugby Town v Southam United Birmingham Athletic v Leamington Lions The Following teams have Byes into the Second Round Walsall Ladies, Knowle Ladies, Redditch United, Fairfield Villa. More News To Follow When We Have It To Hand