REDDITCH Borough’s women’s stars of the future were put through their paces by Birmingham City Ladies aces Kerys Harrop and Emily Westwood this week.
The duo, the current and immediate past Blues Ladies captains, visited Borough’s Mettis Sports & Social Club (MSS) base in Batchley to train groups of girls as part of Blues’ Sister Club programme.
Harrop and Westwood, both born in the West Midlands, have represented England during impressive careers in the women’s game and are regulars in the Blues starting XI in Women’s Super League One.
Having staged the sessions, the pair posed for photos on a memorable night for the youngsters.
Julian Workman, manager of Borough’s women’s first team, said: “The girls absolutely loved it and picked up so much from having the opportunity to train with two icons of the women’s game.
“This club is about inclusion and participation no matter what your ability but we also try to encourage everyone – boys, girls, men and women – to be the best they can be.
“Being able to put on a session with two of the very best players in the land can only act as an inspiration to us all.
“We want our girls to go on to play for our women’s side in the future but some may have further aspirations and our link with Blues is one of the many ways we can help anyone looking to climb the ladder. We want our players to live out their dreams.
“The feel-good factor extended to the coaches and parents too, so we thank Kerys and Emily so much for their time and hope to see them down at the MSS again in the future.”
It has been a big week for Borough off the pitch as well, with goalkeeping coach John Cox added to the club’s board.
Cox, 46, manages an U11s side as well as training the first-team stoppers, but frequently lends a hand with a variety of the club’s other teams. He joins Workman, Michael Pearce and Martyn Bassett at the helm of the community amateur sports club at its new facility.
Workman said: “As well as being the kind of person who would do anything for anyone, John is a successful and professional man who will bring expertise to the role.
“There has been a lot done in a short space of time but there is always plenty more to do, so to have a hands-on person with the club at heart joining our board is very welcome. John fits the bill perfectly.”
Meanwhile, Borough want to recruit players aged 50 and over for their walking football team. Hour-long sessions are held on Thursdays from 6.30pm and more information is available from Martyn Bassett by emailing [email protected].
Borough’s first team and club awards evening will be held on Saturday, June 17 at the MSS.
