Chichester City are enjoying a well-earned rest over the Christmas period with both senior sides leading their respective divisions.
In total the sides have scored 118 goals and only conceded 23 in all competitions and the first and reserves are top of their respective tables (South West Combination and South East Counties Division 1 West). 25 different players have scored for the teams and the cup runs are all still alive and kicking with two quarter finals, one semi final and the 2nd round proper of the FA Cup sill to come.
The success has come from a solid foundation of player development and recruitment which is now entering its fifth season. Coaches Matt Wright and Liam Greenfield also take charge of Chichester College and University female sides respectively, which provides a great feed for the squad with regards to both football and academic route ways. Many of the local area’s best players attend the College in order to play for the club side and then progress onto University in the City to enable them to keep playing in the Chichester system.
Due to the influx of players the club has now started a third team who train every Thursday evening (1700-1800hrs) at Chichester College. These recreational sessions are open to all females aged 14+ and allow an opportunity for those who just want to play to be involved. The aim of the project would be to develop a squad for next season to enter the Sussex County League.
Furthermore, the senior sides will reap the development of Chichester City Girls over the forth coming years as they work their way up through the age groups. Presently the girls’ system has three sides, mini greens (5-9yrs), U-11s and U-13s who are all doing well in their own competitions. The Girls’ set up is run by the senior players and a group of qualified ‘mum coaches’, the use of female role models has been a huge success and young players are improving at a rapid rate. The Girls’ Club has recently moved to Chichester University and runs every Saturday 1000-1130hrs (starting back on January 12th in the New Year).
The evolution of female football in Chichester has been phenomenal over the past five seasons with good size crowds at first team fixtures. The club is run entirely by volunteers whose efforts often go unrecognised but have essentially been the key factor behind the domination in recent years. From coaches and club secretaries to the gateman and the match day photographer, the club is well supported in the local community and provides a well-disciplined professional environment for all those involved.
For opportunities to get involved or to find out more about female football in Chichester contact Matt Wright on matt.wright@chichester.ac.uk or visit chichesterladiesfootball.co.uk
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
