Upcoming Tytherington Rocks braced for next big step . . . into the ladies game!

TYTHERINGTON Rocks’ “exciting” plans to form a ladies team this spring are fast gathering momentum, writes Simon Parkinson.

It is the first time a female wing has been introduced to their 87-year-old set-up, prompting manager James Eveleigh to enthuse: “I cannot wait to get started.”

The South Gloucestershire-based club, who operate also with brand-new and flourishing reserve and under-18 male sides alongside a gradually-improving Hellenic League Division One West men’s team, are staging open sessions for prospective adult female players on Friday, April 12 at their Hardwicke Fields facility between 7pm and 8.30pm. Anyone looking to attend should register by emailing rocksfcladies@virginmedia.com

Entry has already been submitted to Gloucestershire County Women’s League Division Two and 37-year-old Eveleigh insisted: “Our hopes for next season are to be competitive from the outset.

“We’re looking to achieve a top-six finish in our first season before attempting to gain promotion the following season. Obviously it would be fantastic if we could achieve it first time.

“The facilities and structure at Tytherington Rocks are all in place for a bright future and I cannot wait to get started.

“We are keen to create a real community feel around the team, inviting local schoolchildren and families to attend the games as we look to inspire the next generation of female players.

“As an FA Level 2 coach with FA Youth Award Modules 1 and 2, I have been involved in the female game for seven years now, coaching a team at Bradley Stoke Youth from under-9s level right up to under-16s.

“Some of those players who performed under me went on to play for Bristol City Academy youth teams and represent England at youth level.

“In fact I myself played at youth and adult level for Winterbourne and Stapleton until injury stopped me playing, which is when I turned to coaching.”

The manager will be assisted by Mark Butt, himself an FA Level 2 coach and Level 1 goalkeeping coach who had been involved with Bradley Stoke alongside Eveleigh for the past four years.

Tytherington Ladies will officially commence regular sessions at the start of May and although training times are scheduled for 7-8.30pm, the precise day is yet to be confirmed .

Their progress can, however, be tracked via Twitter (@rocks_fc_ladies) and Facebook (Tytherington Rocks FC).