Players: Charli Threadgill (C), Isobel Bowyer (CC), Erin Williams, Daisy Bates, Heidi Turner, Sophie Douthwaite, Evie Pearson, Hannah Brischuk, Faith Jones, Layken Hardy (GK), Freyja Hood, Sara Lowther, April Kearton, Julia Jankowska, Poppy Maroney, Romilly Staines

Angel Aims:
To stretch & challenge every player, giving them the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential whilst having fun.

To provide the highest quality of football coaching to all participants.

To assist in shaping good behaviours as well as talent, through promoting positive teamwork and sportsmanship.

Angel Focus:
The primary focus in training is to create a positive environment for players to develop their game. We focus not only on the technical and physical skills of playing the game, but also the social and psychological side to being a football player.

Players train at least once a week and the team is given the chance to showcase their ability and what they have learnt in competitive fixtures within The Russell Foster Youth League each Saturday.

Off season, we ensure the girls participate in friendlies and tournaments to encourage growth, consistency and to challenge them as they grow into the next season.

Who we are…
Every single girl plays their part in the success of this adaptable and skilled team. As the team has grown, the players embrace new members and lead by example. Our player’s families also lead by example, showing the girls that being pitchside comes with responsibility. We are a respect led team and have always communicated our expectations to players and families from the outset with our Community Club’s Code of Conduct. Whilst the girls put in the work, they have lots of fun and have developed great friendships.

Where we came from…
Following a season at the Club’s Wildcats sessions, 9 girls joined together and became ‘Aycliffe Angels’. They entered the RFYL before winning Division 1 in their first season as U9’s.

An increase in team numbers led to two teams and then 3, with one team going into the premier division as U10’s. The Angels became league runners up and went on to win the Cup. As U11’s they won the premier division and last season as U12’s they again won the premier division and became runners up in the cup.

7 of those original 9 players still form part of the current premier division team - testament to the bond these girls have over their love of football.

Where we are going…
Our first season at 11 a side is upon us. As a consistently successful team, we look towards this season with a mind to develop and grow as a team. We face new challenges; a larger pitch, larger goals and a larger team, so we encourage the girls to face these challenges with the effort and conviction that we know they have.

We have always promoted both fair and equal game time, given that every player is an equal within their team. This year we are doing the same, however will challenge the girls further by encouraging them to draw on their experience from last season, to support the new players this season and to have fun in their journey towards retaining their Premier League Champions title.