Nicky Simmonds plays for England Fans FC men’s side and is also coaching with the new women’s team, which is resuming training next month.
SK: When did the women’s team come into being and why?
NS: As you know, we played in a game for the first time last year versus a Sanchia Duncan XI, however, we want to promote the women’s game more, so we are resurrecting the women’s squad and we have around 10 – 13 players interested in playing. We are planning a training session in the north west in the next few weeks as a starting block and will take it for there.This is my first challenge to coach the national women’s supporters team, along with Lindsay England, when possible.
SK: What sort of experience have the players got?
NS: Before we had players with futsal experience and grassroots, this time there is still an element of that, however, I’ve brought in a few girls with experience from clubs like Bury, Stockport County, Preston North End and Penrith, just to add a bit of competition to the team.
SK: Do you live far apart and where/when will you train together?
NS: We mainly have got girls in the team from the north west to start with but we will be looking to play games further a field and also invite players to train with us from other counties and south and north east England. As we only play when the national sides play, we will be training for the first time proper in February or March, with a game scheduled at end of the current season.
SK: Is it a dream to be representing England?
NS: As I play for the men’s supporters’ team, it is an honour to play and pull on the three lions jersey. I will be doing the same again when we head to Germany in a few weeks time. I’m guessing that’s in Berlin on Saturday 26th March, prior to the seniors.
SK: What are your plans for 2016?
NS: We are hoping to face Carlisle Ladies in a charity fixture soon and as we are new, we are going to find an international team to face. I’m going to carry on doing things for England Supporters and also Nelson Ladies FC is starting up. I’ve got a meeting in February to discuss the Head Coach job there, so it’s looking up!
England Fans WFC will be training on March 5th at a venue to be confirmed. For more details, direct message them via their twitter page at twitter.com/EnglandfansWFC
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