Torquay United Women FC has announced that a new structure will be introduced behind the scenes to assist the side in competing at National League level for 2023/24.
With the women embarking on a historical season, as they take their place in tier four of women’s football for the first time in their history, it’s been a feverish 6 to 8 weeks behind the scenes for Steve Elswood as he prepares the playing squad for the challenges ahead, and also throws himself into fulfilling the National League requirements, administration and regular meetings to be sure the club are ready for the next step in their journey.
With this, there is also now a positive change for the club in regards to structure and positions for the 23/24 campaign.
Elswood has now been appointed Director of Football of TUWFC and also chair of the club, with previous incumbent Janette Farrell remaining at the club as secretary and honorary president.
Elswood is keen to continue to strive to take the club forward following unprecedented Cup and League glory the last 15 months, and is now ready to ensure that the club competes at this, their highest level, as well as ensuring a successful future both on and off the pitch.
This new role sees Steve keeping an eye on every area of the club from the top downwards including recruitment, performance, and all day-to-day duties, but will step away from Sunday matchday management of the team. He has wasted no time in securing the team he feels is right to achieve the goals he has set for 23/24 though.
Alan Wyatt becomes Head Coach of the team, whilst TUWFC’s Director of Football has also bought in Jake Ellis, a former Exeter City U23 and Torquay United Community Sports Trust coach. They will both be supported by Goalkeeping Coach Jimmy Weeks, Strength & Conditioning coach Clare Williams and Medical Lead Sam Latto. Danni Wyatt remains as Club Captain with the armband position of captain to be announced shortly.
“The success that we’ve achieved since the county cup final back in 21/22 has been amazing, and we have now outgrown the model that we’ve always operated on,” said Elswood.
“We need to take that next step forward with a slightly more modern structure and ensure we are competitive, not just this season, but for future seasons at this level that we’ve reached. I’m confident in all the coaching team for this season and they are the team to lead us forward on matchdays, and I know they have the full respect of every single player that puts on a yellow shirt. I’ve got lots of projects going on, on the pitch and off it, that will ensure we achieve sustainability in the future at this level.
“Creating a youth pathway is one of the many projects that I’m working on, to ensure that the talented 16-year-old girls in the Torbay area come to this football club from the ages 16, and they are then given the exposure to make a real difference into the first team squad where we keep them, develop them, and they become a future stars of the club.”
Steve though, is sure that the change won’t cause his team any issues.
“The structural change won’t appear much different to the ladies. I’ll still be about it in the changing rooms on match days but may not have quite as much dugout time from the sidelines as last year.
“There’s been lots of hard work for everybody behind the scenes over the last few weeks, especially in our recruitment drives. We haven’t rushed, and we’ve taken our time to make sure we sign the right players that fit the football club, not just the players that are out there for everyone to tender for.
“With our first pre-season game against Cardiff City days away, it’s gonna be great to get the ladies back out on the pitch and doing what they do best.
“It’s an exciting time now and challenging but we are all going to embrace this with open arms”
Become a Friend of TUWFC!
With TUWFC’s partnership with TUAFC continuing to go from strength to strength, the Yellow Army now have a unique opportunity to play their part in the Women’s bright future!
By making a £100 donation towards the running of TUWFC by becoming a Friend of TUWFC, supporters will receive the following, amongst other benefits:
- Listing on the TUWFC website
- Certificate acknowledging your support
- 2 tickets in the Family Stand for a TUAFC league match at Plainmoor
Initial funds raised by Friends Of TUWFC will go towards supplying all the players with new training wear, with Elswood how the backing his side receives from the Yellow Army can help them fulfil their goals this season.
“Obviously we’re coming up to a key part of the season, and the next stage of the ladies’ progression towards promotion,” said TUWFC’s boss.
“The support is much-valued from the Friends of TUWFC. Right now, any funds raised will go towards making making the ladies look on and off the pitch a replication of the men’s team and keep them warm before matches, in what is proving to be quite a cold period.
“As always, it’s much-appreciated and the ladies are looking forward to seeing as many fans at their games home and away during the next few weeks.!
To be a part of this exciting new initiative and become a Friend of TUWFC, click HERE.
For further information, or to sign up as a Friend of TUWFC over the phone, please call 01803 328666 between 10am-2pm Monday -Friday.
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