Statement from Lincoln United
Following Friday evening’s joint announcement by Lincoln United FC and Lincoln City FC regarding the launch of Lincoln Women FC, we are issuing this statement to provide clarity and transparency around the project and our intentions moving forward.
Over the past six months, extensive and productive discussions have taken place between representatives of both clubs. Lincoln City FC identified the importance of a collaborative approach to elevate the women’s game in our city, and we share a collective ambition to provide a sustainable, aspirational pathway for women’s football in Lincoln.
Representing Lincoln United in these discussions were Stuart Reddington (Chair), Sam Wilkinson (Vice-Chair), Chris Hough (Director of Women’s Football), Rick Brock-Taylor (Head of Matchday Operations and longstanding advocate for the women’s programme), and Kirsty Richardson (Women’s Secretary). Lincoln City were represented by Liam Scully (Chief Executive Officer), Jez George (Director of Football), Iona Lawson (Foundation Phase Lead), and Adam Thurston (Head of Football Operations).
Throughout all conversations over the last 6 months, both clubs have shown their genuine commitment and desire to grow the women’s game and provide equal opportunities for female players in the city.
At Lincoln United, we are proud of the success of our senior women’s teams and deeply value the dedication of those who have contributed to that journey. Entering this partnership was very carefully thought through. It was vital that any agreement reflected our values, commitment, and long-term vision for the women’s game. We are confident that this collaborative approach will significantly enhance opportunities and infrastructure for current and future players.
Our shared vision is to combine resources, knowledge, and infrastructure to create the strongest possible pathway for women and girls across the county, from grassroots through to elite-level football. While we haven’t seen a Lioness emerge from our region for some time now, we believe this united strategy gives us the best chance of achieving that ambition.
We want to reassure all families, coaches, and players that the identity of our junior girls’ teams will remain unchanged. Both clubs will continue to develop their own grassroots programmes, while the pathway beyond grassroots, including development, reserve, and senior football, will now operate under the Lincoln Women FC umbrella. These development and reserve teams will continue to receive strong support and resources, ensuring they remain key environments for nurturing future first-team players.
This process has not been without its challenges, particularly around communication and consultation, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone involved feels part of this new journey and is given the opportunity to shape it moving forward.
Importantly, while financial sustainability is a benefit of this partnership, the decision was driven first and foremost by our shared ambition to enhance the women’s game. The opportunities this partnership creates are only possible through a progressive, forward-thinking approach, and all at Lincoln United are challenged to be open to the possibilities this brings.
Day-to-day, nothing will change at grassroots level. However, the progression pathway from junior to senior football will now be clearly aligned, better resourced, and more cohesive, enabling players across both clubs to aspire to and reach the highest possible level.
We encourage everyone involved in our women’s and girls’ programmes to be genuinely excited about the introduction of Lincoln Women’s FC. This partnership has been forged with the long-term benefit of women’s football in mind, and we look forward to working closely with Lincoln City FC to build a stronger, more successful future for the women’s game in Lincoln.
9. Competition enhances quality
The competitive element of football is undeniable.
It’s the same in sessions and when managed well by the coach this helps to enhance the quality of the session.
Use it to drive the intended session outcomes.
1. Plan with the end in mind How does each practice lead into the next?
It’s important to build incrementally for the players to see how the learnings from each session progresses into the successive one.
This will save time when trying to explain the next session.
✨ Your Pathway to the Club Starts Here! ✨
This FREE open pathway session is perfect for boys in school year 2. Experience professional-level training with our Academy coaches!
🔗 Sign up today - https://t.co/LUEpIZPg7M
Get involved! Such an exciting pathway to be a part of, and one I am proud to lead on. An extremely exciting time to be involved with youth female football in Lincolnshire.
⚽️ City Women's Academy are hosting an open event for Y10 & Y11 girls on Wednesday 27 November (6pm - 7.30pm).
🤩 Want to study and play with the Imps? We are looking to recruit for our U16 academy squad and full-time U19 academy programme ahead of the 25/26 season.
#WeAreImps
⚽️ City are launching a new specialist masterclass session for girls across Lincolnshire who want to improve their skills on the pitch.
Spaces are limited so make sure to sign your youngster up today! ⤵️
#WeAreImps
💫 ICYMI | @Lincoln_Women's Academy are hosting an engagement day ahead of launching an elite programme which will be a part of their pathway!
Find out all of the key information, including how to sign up, below! ⤵️
https://t.co/VSc9VVCLJK
#WeAreImps
A little bit of a rant but so determined to influence how our youngest children are developed. Let’s make their first experiences of football as magical AND APPROPRIATE as possible 👍
@katieadams_2 names in ball mastery! If teaching the girls a skill, name it after a player who uses it regularly. you could even bring an ipad/tablet and show them said player using the skill in a game. getting their names in your common language will spark an interest!!
🙌 Final session of the 22/23 season for our Emerging Talent players!
Thank you to all players and parent/guardians who have supported the programme this year. Also a thank you to our coaching team, who have worked hard this year to develop not only the players but themselves!
Brilliant to officially welcome our U8s to the club!
After a transition period with their academy coach they now break for summer, excited to start their academy football journey!