Ambitious Millers Ladies build a platform for the future

The Women's Premier Midlands Division One might not make good reading at the moment for the girls but work going on behind the scenes is already raising the club's profile, forging stronger links with the local community and improving the production line of players.

Not so long ago, consolidating Rotherham's position in the league and improving the squad was the primary focus for chair and manager Val Hoyle.

In pre-season the focus changed slightly when the club noticed the changes two local-based managers had made at Dronfield Town over a short period.

Discussions and interviews took place and James Leggitt and Chris Sanders were brought in as joint first team managers for the season.

It signified a change in direction aimed at building a platform to move forward over the next five years.

While there have been small changes on the pitch in terms of players and playing style, the management team have been hard at work and there are clear signs the Roundwood-based outfit is moving in the right direction.

The existing off-the-field staff of Chris, James and UEFA B coach Simon Darke have been joined by Sheffield FC first team stopper Chris Butt as a dedicated goalkeeping coach.

Sarah Cowin has linked up as as first team physio and Leon Dearns as strength and fitness coach. Another newcomer, Dan Waldron, will take care of PR and media.

A new website (www.rulfc.com), Twitter (@RULFC_official) and Facebook (facebook.com/RotherhamUnitedLadiesFC) have been introduced to give the club a wider reach.

Officials say it is only the first step on the ladder.

Links have been renewed with Rotherham United Community Support Trust chief Jamie Noble and thanks to the support of U18s manager David Corke, five current U18 players have progressed to the first team set-up.  

The new social media presence has already started to pay dividends with interest from further afieled, including a request from a player within the LA Galaxy organisation to come along to training sessions whilst she was in the country.

James said: “Massive steps are being taken to forge links in and around the community to create a pathway for girls of all ages to progress up the football pyramid and into a successful local ladies team that, maybe one day, will reach the utopia of the FA Women's Super League.”

For any further information regarding games, players,  sponsorship or any general   enquiries please contact the club on rotherhamunitedladiesfc @gmail.com or via social media.