Hollingworth celebrate debut league win

The women’s Euros is just around the corner, with England’s Lionesses set to defend their championship crown, but a team of local women’s footballers are already celebrating, having won silverware at the first time of asking.  

Hollingworth Hornets Women’s Football Team had only entered their first competitive league last September.  

But incredibly, just seven months later, the team has achieved their first piece of silverware. 

The Hollingworth Hornets comfortably won the Manchester Women’s Flexi-League Division 5 league title, and they haven’t lost a single game.  

And while there is still one game of the season to go, the Hornets are looking at expanding their nest and encouraging new players to come and give it a go.  

The title-winning team comprises women aged 17 to 51, and is a mixture of players from Glossop and Tameside.  

One of those players is midfielder Karla Fox, who also serves as club secretary.  

“We started the team after England won the Euros,” said Karla.  

“We took it as inspiration initially to get mums of our junior football players involved to tackle mental health anxiety, social isolation, and the menopause. 

“We never thought we’d get a competitive, league-winning team from it. But a year-and-a-half later, and in our first-ever season – we did!  

“It’s been massive, we’ve never had a ladies team at Hollingworth Juniors, so for our grassroots football club it’s been fantastic.”  

The nine-a-side team saw off divisional rivals from Stockport, to Bury and Ashton-on-Mersey.  

Some women had never kicked a ball before joining, so there was trepidation seven months ago when the Hornets played in their first league fixture.  

In particular, as it was at the former EFL Stadium Gigg Lane. But this did not put off the local players, as they secured a 4-0 win.  

The emphatic maiden victory was the first of many, and indeed clean sheets, with the Hornets going into the final game of the season as champions, having conceded just three league goals and scoring 48.  

And it will be at Gigg Lane on Good Friday, where the Hornets will play their final game of the season, and aim to complete their unbeaten run.  

The inaugural trophy-winning side will ascend to Division 4, with matches to look forward to next season against Reddish North End and a tantalising local derby with Glossop North End.  

The legacy of this initial success has led to an increase of players with the club looking to add a Second Ladies team.  

There are hopes this second team would join Division 5, meaning there would be two Hollingworth Women’s teams across the leagues for the first time.  

Club Captain Abigail Paige said: “Growing the ladies teams means that there is a place for all players, whether you are new to the game and want to play for learning and fun, or you have played before and would like to continue your playing journey.  

“Fun is still the priority for us, but if we can grow to two teams, the option of playing at a higher intensity is there as well.  

“My message to any women out there, not just for football, would be if there is something you’ve ever wanted to try – just try it. 

“The best that can happen is, you find a group like this where everyone is supportive of each other. We back each other inside and outside the sport.”  

And it is not too late to join. If you want to play with the club for their first, or prospective new second team, and are aged 16 or over, please email info@hjfc.co.uk or call on 07793 505 294.  

The club practices at Longdendale Football Centre, every Wednesday from 7-8pm. 

You can also follow the club on Facebook