It was a weekend of mixed fortunes at Hyde United Football Club, as the men’s team were eliminated from the FA Cup in a 2-1 defeat at Buxton, before the women’s team put smiles back on faces with a 10-1 victory over Crompton in the County Cup.
The girls, managed by Lee Prince, have taken inspiration from the Lionesses success at Euro 2022. After last season’s promotion success, they are now competing in the top tier of the Greater Manchester Women’s League and have targeted a campaign of consolidation and growth.
Lee, who started his coaching career at the age of 19, has been involved with women’s football for 14 years. It’s become a real passion of Lee’s and something of a family affair, as his daughter, Isabel, who started football at the age of eight, now plays for Lee at Hyde.
Isabel is surrounded by a team of players that vary in age, with the youngster members of the squad in their late teens and the eldest in their early thirties.
Now, with a summer of recruitment behind him, Lee is relishing the chance to deliver success for a second season running.
Speaking to Reporter Sport before County Cup clash on Sunday, Lee said: “After our player recruitment over the summer we have had a massive response in players who want to get back into football or continue to progress at a new club.
We have a very strong squad with 20+ players and see a lot potential to go further.
“With promotion into the Premier Division, our hopes for this season are to keep playing our brand of football and provide a positive environment causing a few shocks along the way.
“After stepping up a division, this is how we want to continue this season and stick to our principles of playing.
“The men’s team are doing incredibly well riding high near the top of the league, and quite a few of the players get down to as many games as possible.
“It is very much a one club mentality with the men’s, juniors and women’s sections supporting each other.”
Participation rates in the women’s game have rapidly spiked in a few short months. The Lionesses’ success at Euro 2022, combined with tv exposure, have paved the way for new, and former players to join clubs over summer.
According to Lee, it’s a step in the right direction and something to build on. He said: “The success of the Lionesses has shown the potential of women’s football and how big it can get.
“From a personal point of view we had a lot more interest at training with people coming back to the sport or wanting to be involved.
“England’s success was very important as it has allowed girls to aspire to be like the Lionesses and join their local girls club.
“It has been very inspiring as hyde have now created a new girls section for 9-12 year olds.”
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