Ilkley Ladies have big plans (From Wharfedale Observer)

Ilkley Ladies have big plans

9:38am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport

Ilkley Ladies have got ambitious new plans for their future.

Tony Gill is the man driving the club forward, and he has a bold vision for women’s football in the area.

His meticulously planned infrastructure paves the way for the players currently at the club to look after its own future, through a series of coaching and refereeing courses that also will lead to heavy involvement in schools football.

“The main thing for me is not that we have a team now, it’s that we are going to have a future,” said Gill.

“We have to put together something that is sustainable, and something that benefits the entire community.”

The club is busy applying for a series of grants that would assist with the costs of putting some of the players through courses.

There are four who hold Level-One coaching qualifications, and Gill hopes to get some of his players involved in refereeing too.

He said: “I think that it’s about trying to give these girls more skills to get on in life.

“Refereeing is an opportunity for work, too, and if they can make some money doing it when they go off to university, then great.

“This is a big community project,” he added: “It’s not about just ticking boxes to say I’ve played, or I’ve coached.

“We are trying to help the schools out and get girls playing football long term.”

“One or two of the girls have got the potential to go really far and get their UEFA A-Licence. We need to be able to help them on their way.”