UWE Women’s Football is a club consisting of over 40 members split into two teams, both of which compete in BUCS leagues for the University. Our main goal is to continually improve and grow as both a club and as individual players in a fun, friendly atmosphere.
Blog by : Womens Football Vice President – Fay Workman : BUCS University in Focus - Female Participation as part of This Girl Can week.
UWE Women’s Football is a club consisting of over 40 members split into two teams, both of which compete in BUCS leagues for the University. Our main goal is to continually improve and grow as both a club and as individual players in a fun, friendly atmosphere. A committee of five individuals spend their free time going above and beyond running and organising a title winning team. As Vice President, this will be my second year playing for the 1st team. When joining University last year I struggled to adapt to the changes of moving away from home and finding people I could connect with. And then Freshers Fair came around I joined the Women’s football team. Ever since, I have made a ton of friends, two of whom I now live with. The team is extremely welcoming from the outset, encouraging girls of all abilities to come along and have a kick about. Playing as part of UWE women’s football has definitely been the highlight of my University experience so far.
We have been extremely lucky to establish a partnership with Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club. This has created opportunities for players to study at UWE Bristol and play at a high standard in the Women’s FA Super League. This allows us to train every Monday evening and hold our home games at SGS Filton Wise Campus. For the second year running we have also been coached and managed by Willie Kirk who is the manager of Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club. Willie has provided our team with professional coaching and advice in order for each player to progress in their positions. We are also learning how to play to benefit those in our team, creating set plays, quick passes and powering through Willies technical drills. This has and will give us a competitive advantage to other universities.
Our 1st Team competes in the Western 1A league after securing promotion last year winning the league and being varsity champions for the third year in a row. Our 2nd team is competing in western 3A and is also improving every year, this team is more of a social side, offering a great platform for those looking to compete for a 1st team place or just to improve and play. Overall we were also runners up for the award of Best Sports Club 2015/16 at our sports Award ball and ceremony.
Our 1st team players get the amazing opportunity to use the performance gym on campus once a week, to take part in strength and conditioning training with the Centre For Sport personal trainers. This benefits us greatly, having a customised programme designed specifically for our sport in order for us to monitor our progress. Each term we engage in fitness testing using state of the art technologies provided by the Centre For Sport ensuring each player is reaching their full potential.
Every year UWE and Bristol take part in The Varsity Series in which last year saw the first stand-alone event for football in 4 years. The first team was able to play on a professional pitch provided by our partnership with Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club. We cannot wait to compete in next year’s varsity which will be at Ashton Gate!
UWE Women’s Football is an outstanding club, which I am proud and privileged to be a part of. The team environment is competitive but also extremely enjoyable, holding multiple socials and themed gatherings. There is never a dull day when you’re with this club.