LUCY Jelf is looking forward to an exciting 2019/20 season after being appointed manager of Burton Albion Ladies.
Lucy has been part of Burton Albion Community Trust for the last 18 months as a female football co-ordinator and has been working with Burton Albion Ladies since November.
She became interim manager when the job became vacant last season and will now take up the role permanently.
Lucy is looking forward to the new season in Women’s National League Division 1 Midlands – step 4 in the women’s game.
She said: “It’s a good standard and getting better all the time and with the Women’s World Cup this year there is a lot of attention on the game and more girls wanting to play football, so it’s a good time to be here.”
Burton Albion Ladies finished 9th in the 11-strong league last season and Lucy is hoping they can kick on from that in 2019/20.
She said: “We are looking to recruit new players, but we have a very good foundation.
“The juniors coming under the Burton Albion Community Trust arm is fantastic and we have had more than 80 kids wanting to try out the open training sessions. If we can develop that, in five years’ time you will see the impact on the senior team. It’s important to put that talent pathway in place and there’s a real buzz about things at the moment - these are very exciting times.”
Burton Albion Football Club has been busy forging closer links with Burton Albion Ladies over the last six months and they will be working together to promote the growth of female participation in the game.
The ladies will be using the Burton Albion logo from the start of next season.
Burton Albion Commercial Director Fleur Robinson said: “Women’s football is something we are committed to promoting and growing so we are delighted to be able to work more closely with Burton Albion Ladies.
“We are looking forward to having a deeper relationship that will create a pathway for more young girls and women to participate in the game we are all passionate about. We want to provide an opportunity to get involved whether that's playing or coaching and at all levels.
“We will be committed to helping Lucy take Burton Albion Ladies to the next step and we are all looking forward to the new season."