by Ben Gilby (25/02/24)
Above: Impetus 71 sponsored Karly Smith – player head coach of Andoversford. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Karly Smith.
Andoversford player-head coach Karly Smith, sponsored by Impetus 71, is delighted by the progress of the village team still in their embryonic days, playing in the tier ten, in the Gloucestershire League Division Three.
“This is our second season together as a team. The development as both individuals and as a team has been incredible. We currently sit mid-table and are extremely pleased with the progress the team has made in just under two years.
“Personally, this season has been a tough one for me, suffering a ligament injury which has seen me miss a couple of months of games. It has also meant I have had to leave my favoured position of goalkeeper and moving into the centre-back position so I’ve had to adapt to playing outfield again, which I have really enjoyed!”
Like all clubs, Andoversford has had its ups and downs across the campaign with a real high coming against Cheltenham Town Development from the league above in the Gordon Perrett League Cup.
“Not only was this a superb team performance, but on a personal note, I had a really strong performance in goal. Overall though, the most pleasing aspect of this season is seeing the huge improvement we have made as a team and how far we have come.
“We have recruited lots of new and fantastic players, which is always brilliant and demonstrates how well the women’s game is progressing. Embedding new players into the team and settling them into the squad is a great challenge to have, which we have embraced wholeheartedly this season as we look to continue to do our part in growing women’s football.”
Smith views the new players coming into Andoversford, and indeed their status as a new club only in their second year of existence as an example of the continued growth of the women’s game.
“The league appears to be improving each season, with more clubs entering the league as women’s football has taken off. There seem to be more teams starting up and therefore, more women, both young and mature like myself looking for a team to be a part of, which is amazing to see.
“Women’s football is now easily accessible for people to watch and listen to, which I have no doubt has helped to inspire the next generation of girls and young women to get involved in this game that we all love.”
This growth in players can often cause challenges for grassroots clubs as funding below the top tiers of the women’s game is still a major problem. However, Andoversford can point to a positive ‘can-do’ attitude in their Cotswold village, which has a population of just over 900.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive community around us at Andoversford FC, helping to provide us with fantastic facilities and visibility. Funds are available for teams to apply for, and thanks to a very proactive and supportive Chairman, we secured some funding this season to aid us with our equipment. It can be difficult for clubs without the community and internal support we have to stay afloat when the cost of facilities, equipment, and upkeep continue to rise.”
As the club’s second season in tier ten reaches the home straight, the head coach outlined her expectations for the final months of the 2023/24 season.
“A great second half of the season would look like getting a further 10 points, our aim at the beginning of the season was to finish in the top half of the table. 10 points would put us in an excellent position for this, but it will be no easy task with two local derby games and games against the top teams in the league.
“Personally, I’d like to continue my recovery from injury and keep fit for the rest of the season to get as much time on the pitch, helping out the team as possible. Sundays are not Sundays without playing football!”
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