The West Allotment Ladies team have began their pre-season training this week which started with an intense Meta Fit session on Monday evening followed up by a training session on Thursday night. A Friday beach session will also be added to help boost fitness levels ahead of the upcoming season.
To begin the pre-season fixtures, the Allotment Ladies will travel to Hartlepool Ladies on Sunday which promises to be a tough test against higher league opposition. Afterwards, the pre-season friendlies come thick and fast as we play Chester Le Street Development on the 15th August, Wallsend at home on the 22nd of August and Cramlington United on the 24th of August.
In terms of the shape of the squad, the squad is almost finalised with one or two players still being looked at as potential additions. Also, the link with NUWFC is proving to be highly beneficial as it is providing opportunities for the West Allotment Ladies players to train with NUWFC and we also provide game time for some of their players.
Lead coach of the women's team David Dodd has said, "I really feel that things are starting to come together with us assembling a stronger squad than last season as a mixture of young players stepping up from the U18s and new signings.
"Off the pitch we now have a coaching team of three with Simon Trenholm stepping up from the U18s and Dora Jakab. Along with this, Dale Walker has been working closely with our 'keepers to help them in their development. The filming of games with our VEO camera also provides great feedback for players and coaches alike."
The Ladies Team will also have a tough start to the league campaign as they begin away at Norton & Stockton Ancients on September 5th. This is followed up by Blyth Town at home on the 19th. The FA Cup draw is still yet to be drawn and that fixture will take place on September 12th.