The club's annual presentation night is being held in the function room at Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground on Friday 18th May.

Doors open at 7:30 and we want to start the presentations promptly at 8pm.

Tickets are priced:

Adults - £2.00

Children - £1.50

Players - Free.

Tickets bought in advance will get a free ticket for the raffle.

There will be a potato pie supper available but numbers are limited so please buy your tickets early.

There will be a raffle and disco on the night.

The club are running football coaching sessions for girls of all ages and abilities at the New Era Youth Centre from Thurs 3rd May until Thurs 7th June. The sessions are run from 6pm until 7pm by some of our qualified coaches. They are all CRB checked and have played football themselves from an early age, and continue to do so. The sessions are open to any girls aged 5 or above who want to try football for the first time, or for existing players who wish to build on their skills in a fun and safe environment. These sessions have been funded with a grant from the Football Foundation to try and attract new players into the game at an early age and also to sustain existing players.

The club were representing Hyndburn in the Club of the Year Category at the Lancashire Sports Awards held at the Blackpool Hilton Hotel on Friday 25th November. The club were up against other quality clubs from across the county and were extremely honoured to receive a Highly Commended Award. This is great recognition for everyone involved with the club - coaches, committee members, volunteers, parents, friend and of course the players.

Chris with the award and certificate

We have won the Hyndburn Community Club of the Year award for the 2nd year running. This is the 3rd time in the last 4 years and the 4th time overall that the club have won this prestigious award. The club now goes forward to the Lancashire Sports awards in November representing Hyndburn. The award is great recognition to everyone who has worked so hard over the last twelve months ensuring that the club continues to allow girls of all ages and abilities play football.

Anne Ellwood was also shortlisted in the Lifetime Achievement Award category for her work in promoting women's football over the years. Unfortunately Anne narrowly missed out on winning this award, but was extremely honoured to be nominated.

The awards took place at Accross College with a demonstration from Freestyle Footballer Craig Corey who has appeared on Soccer A.M. and also on the advert for Wayne Rooney's Street Striker. Craig also holds the world record for moving the ball from side to side on his head - a staggering 137 times in a minute. Craig's demonstration showed what can be achieved through dedication and practice. (Click on the photo below to see Craig in action)

The awards were presented by Craig Heap, an Olympic gymnast from Burnley and Double Commonwealth Gold Medallist. Craig also gave a talk on his life in gymnastics, the problems he faced and how he overcame them. He was a very charismatic speaker who inspires others to strive to achieve the best that they can do. (Click on the photo below to see Craig in action)

Anne Ellwood was nominated in the Grass Roots Heroes Peoples Choice Award for her services to Ladies football over the years. Anne was given a highly commended award in a very strong category.

Anne who has been at the club almost from the formation of the club has taken on a number of roles within the club until ill health forced her to take a back seat earlier this year.

The Club was also given a highly commended award along with Hyndburn Athletics Club in the Community Club of the Year category

It's all change for the first team as the manager for the past two seasons, Chris Coyne stepped down this week. Chris felt that things had become a little jaded over the past few weeks and felt that the team would be better served with fresh blood to lead them. Joanne Cooney is taking over the reigns for the 2011/12 season as she's unable to play whilst re-covering from injury. She'll be assisted in this role by Jean Darby. We wish Chris Coyne good luck in his future footballing career and he leaves the club on very good terms. It's now time to look forward for the Ladies and we're sure that Jo and Jean will be able to revitalise the spark in the team that was perhaps missing during the latter part of last season.

AGSA Ladies in their first ever competitive matches at Open Age level succeeded in winning the annual Euxton Open Age Tournament in June. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and didn't concede any goals in open play. They won on penalties in the final against The Fillies B after a goal-less match and extra time.

More tournament pictures

The club are pleased to announce a new sponsorship deal with Group 4 Security who have provided a new kit for the Ladies 1st team

The Nike kit has been provided by Group 4 Security and will be worn by the Ladies 1st team next season.

WPlease click to open more details of our annual presentation night

Click on this link to view a short clip recorded recently about our Young Club Ambassadors Scheme as part of the Inspire 2012 program

Please click to open another short clip about the Young Club Ambassadors Scheme

As part of the build up to the 2012 Olympics in London we've been accepted as a part of the Inspire2012 project which aims to get more people involved in sport. We applied using our Young Club Ambassadors as our project - using young players who've been at the club for several years, and who have started mentoring the new young players at the club. This means that we'll be able to start using the Inspire2012 logo on literature relating to any schemes the YCA's are involved in during the build up to the Olympics. We may also be given the opportunity to take part in any publicity events in the region.

Click on link to see our webpage on the Northwest Regional Development Agency Website

Some photos of our YCA's in action

On Friday 26th November - representatives from the club made what has now become an annual pilgrimage to the Lancashire Sports Awards at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort. The club were of course representing Hyndburn in 2 of the categories, Community Club of the Year and Young Volunteer of the Year. Unfortunately we didn't win the County awards against some very impressive nominees from 13 other boroughs, however we all had a great time and we made sure that the name of the club is noticed amongst a variety of people from the sporting world across Lancashire.

On Saturday 27th November the Club were privileged to have been given the chance to hold a publicity stall in the reception area of the brand new Tesco Extra superstore which has just opened in Accrington. This was the first weekend that the store had been open so it was s a real honour to have been given this chance to publicise the club at this newly opened store. Tesco are heavily involved in grassroots football, and indeed they were the major sponsor behing the Girls & Womens Football Week which ran last year all around the country, and which we were chosen by the LFA to host an open skills evening for girls. A massive thanks to all the girls and parents who helped out during the day. We gave out a lot of leaflets and made lots of people aware of the club - hopefully we'll attract some new players to the club over the coming weeks due to all your efforts - Thanks again.

(Some piccies below from the day)

Stacey Barnes who is in her 4th year at Grand View University in Des Moines has been selected for the 2nd National US womens soccer (football!) team for District 7. Stacey trains with the Ladies over the summer and Christmas periods when she returns home to Accrington

Stacey is Grand View's first-ever recipient of the CoSIDA/ESPN Academic All-District Award (photo Doug Wells)

Click for link to full story

Click for press cutting

Congratulations to Stacey from everyone at Accy Girls

The Accrington Acorns played host to their young friends from Horwich on Saturday 20th November at Hyndburn Sports Centre. The session was organised by 2 of our Young Club Ambassadors, Natasha Westall & Kerry Bamford in partnership with Leisure in Hyndburn, as part of their Active Pledge program. All the girls taking part enjoyed the sessions, which started with some skills drills, then moved onto some 3 v 3 games and finished with a fun 8-a-side game involving everyone. This is the 2nd event that the Acorns have taken part in, following a visit to Blackpool a few weeks ago for a similar fun football day (see Press articles). We are hoping to travel over to Horwich in the new year when they are planning to organise something along the same lines.

Many thanks to everyone involved for making it such a successful day, and hopefully some new long term friendships have been formed.

Pictures to follow shortly

Click on the link above and take the Hyndburn Active Pledge

The annual Hyndburn Sports Awards were held on Friday 24th September at Accrington Town hall.

The club were involved in several nominations and were delighted that 3 of our young ambassadors won the Young Volunteer of the Year Award. Natasha Westall, Beth Hibbert and Kerry Bamford have been helping out with the younger players for the last year or so, passing their Level 1 coaching in the process. They have also assisted in various schools around the borough when we have put on coaching sessions for girls. We are delighted that 3 of the original Acorns have been recognised for the time and effort they are putting back into the game - long may it continue.

The club also won the Hyndburn Community Club of the Year Award. This is the 3rd time we've won this prestigous award, against stiff opposition. This is a fantastic reward for all those people who have given up their time in various events around the borough.

We can now look forward to representing Hyndburn in these 2 categories at the Lancashire Sports Awards which will be held in Blackpool on Friday 26th November. This is always a great night and if anyone is interested in attending please let a member of the committee know as soon as possible.

Excerpts taken from Accrington Observer Friday 1st October 2010

(more pictures to follow)

We once again had the services of an LFA Skills Coach during June and July 2010. We are indebted to Chris Hurst for the input he had with the players and coaches over this 6 week period. The focus of the skills sessions is very much about allowing every player as much time with a ball at their feet as possible. They are encouraged to try out new skills from the minute they arrive at the sessions, and also to carry on practicing them after they leave. All the coaches were impressed with the sessions and are looking to carry on with the ideas in their own sessions.

Chris (back row - 3rd left) with some of the players and coaches

The club held a football skills day on 4th July to enable girls test their footballing skills in a variety of drills covering passing, shooting, heading, dribbling and ball control. The girls who took part all had a great time, with each player receiving a momento of the day and the overall winner receiving a beautiful locally handcrafted trophy.

Passing drills

Shooting Drills

BeauOverall winner

Some of the players and coaches pictured

Congratulations to Lee Bamford, Natasha Westall, Beth Hibbert & Kerry Bamford who all passed their Level 1 in Coaching Football in March 2010. Lee is a coach with the Under 17's, Tash, Beth and Kerry all play for the Under 18's and assist with coaching the Acorns and Under 12's

The club held it's 8th Annual Presentation Evening at Enfield Cricket Club on Friday 21st May.

The guest of honour was the Girls & Womens Development Officer for the LFA, Mike Nadal.

There was a great turn out, which was enjoyed by everyone present

Click here for more pictures and information

Following on from our successful coaching sessions in 2 local schools and the press coverage that they brought, the club were contacted by Channel M, the community TV channel for the Manchester area. They were interested in attending and filming one of our club training sessions at Hyndburn Sports Centre. We played host to the crew from Channel M on Tuesday night (26th Jan). They spent an hour speaking with various coaches and players as well as filming a lot of the session. The program was aired on Wednesday night (27th Jan) on Channel M Today. For those who missed it click on the picture below

Becki collects the award on behalf of Heather Bickerton

Chris collects the award on behalf of Rachel Brown

Meeting up with a future player!!!

Everyone meeting with Sue Smith (Leeds & England)

Co-star of Wayne Rooney Street Striker

A few of our players watching the game

A reluctant photographic subject!

Piccies to follow shortly

At the Hyndburn Sports Awards 2009 which were held at Accrington Town Hall on Tuesday 8th September, the club were nominated in 3 categories.

Community Club of the Year

The club was nominated for this category for the 2nd year in a row. This is an award which we have won twice before in 2004 and again in 2008 and it was great to be nominated again as it shows the club's commitment to opening up the game of football to girls of all ages, creeds and abilities throughout the Hyndburn area. We finished runners-up to Hyndburn Athletics Club.

Chris Bamford receiving Community Club of the Year Runner-up Award

Young Volunteer of the Year

Becki De-Maine was nominated for this category and finished runner-up. It's always good to see young people giving back to the sport they enjoy, and Becki has given up her time over the past few years. Starting as a player with the junior teams, she progressed onto the Ladies until a serious knee injury forced her to miss a complete season. Not wanting to give up on football she started helping out coaching, primarily with the Under 14's team and also regularly attended the monthly Club meetings. Early in 2009 she took on the role of Press Officer and has done a tremendous job in keeping the club in the public eye with the local press and radio, particularly with the Girls & Ladies Football Week held in June.

Special Recognition Award

The Honarary Club President, Rachel Brown was nominated in this category. Rachel who attended St Christopher's High School and played for Accrington Ladies 91, has gone on to play football at the highest level for Everton & England . Despite being a fierce competitor, her own biggest critic when playing, Rachel remains a very level-headed and approachable person off the pitch and despite having a very busy schedule, Rachel manages to return to the borough on a regular basis to take coaching sessions and has attended club presentation nights on several occasions, where she has been a popular figure with everyone.

She is a great ambassador for the game, and a fantastic role model for any players young or old, so it was fitting that she was awarded this honour by the borough.

Unfortunately Rachel was tied up with the little matter of the European Championships so the club collected the award on her behalf. We are working towards presenting her with the award in person at Turf Moor on October 31st during the half time interval. Rachel will now automatically be nominated for the same category at the County Sports Awards which will be held in Blackpool in November.

Special thanks to Jane Grantham, Ben Shorrock and the team for their work on putting on the evening, a great presentation and refreshments.

It is with deep regret that we've had to withdraw the Under 15's squad from the league. This decision was taken due to declining numbers over the past few weeks, and the club felt that there wasn't enough time before the start of the season to reverse this trend. We are puting coaches into high schools, starting with Mount Carmel in September to try and attract new players to the club. We are planning to put all players from Under 13 to Under 17 together at training with more coaches in order to try and create a stronger Club spirit. We would ask any current Under 13, 14 or 15 players to continue to come along to training at 6:30 until 8:00 at Foxhill Bank, and join in with the players from the Under 17's being coached by Chris.

Provided we can get sufficient numbers, we will endeavour to arrange as many friendly matches as possible throughout the forthcoming season, so that players have a chance to put into practice the things they will learn at training. We hope that we can keep as many players as possible, then we can look to build squads for next season. If you've any friends who'd like to try football, bring them along to have some fun, make new friends, learn new skills and get fit.

Annual General Meeting

The club's Annual General Meeting was held at the Poplar Club on Monday 15th June

The following officers were elected at this year's Annual General Meeting

Although Dave Bickerton stepped down as Chair, he very kindly agreed to continue as Club Treasurer. We are extremely pleased that Dave is taking on this role and we haven't lost his enthusiasm and knowledge. We are also pleased to welcome Emma Newman to the committee as Vice-chair. Emma plays for the Ladies team and regularly attends monthly meetings, and her valuable input is very much appreciated.

We also need more parents and older players to volunteer for roles within the club. Like any grass roots club a lot of the work falls onto the shoulders of a few people, unfortunately as the the club becomes a victim of it's own success this workload gets too large. If you have any skills which you feel could benefit the club and you'd be willing to give up a little of your time please contact someone from the club - a committee member, coach or manager. Our details are on the committee page and we're nearly always at training sessions......don't be shy, it's one of the most rewarding feelings, knowing that you're putting something back into the community.

You should have received the following letter from the club stating the proposals for the current Under 13's and Under 14's.

TEAMS FOR 2009/10

As I’m sure your aware it’s been a difficult season both on and off the field for our current under 13’s and under 14’s teams, however we are already planning for next season, and have as a committee considered various options to bring some stability to the club as a whole

As the under 13’s parents will be aware Willie Lawson has looked after the team this season and done a fantastic job in stepping into the breach at short notice, however Willie is also heavily involved as Secretary of Huncoat United, and doesn’t feel he can continue to manage the team beyond this season. The committee would like to put on record their appreciation to Willie for all the work he has put in with his team this season. It would also be remiss not to thank Paul Chadwick for the work that he has undertaken over the previous seasons both as a Manager and for his work on the Committee.

The current under 14’s have also had a difficult year and have suffered from having a small squad, which has not allowed substitutions to be made, to give players a breather during games, and therefore in many games the girls have become tired and unable to maintain their levels of performance for the whole game.

We have appealed via the local press, the club newsletter and the club website for new managers or coaches to come forward however as yet we have no volunteers to manage next years under 14’s team.

Although we have not had any direct comments from parents we are aware that the uncertainty regarding teams for next season is causing some concern, and therefore as a committee we want to address this issue now so that we can have a constructive dialogue with parents and the players. It can also mean that we can shortly start preparing for next season.

Paul Embley has offered to manage an under 15’s team for next season which would comprise of the current under 13’s and 14’s teams.

In coming to this decision the committee were mindful of the following issues:
• With no Manager for an under 14’s team and the lack of numbers in the current under 14’s we faced the real prospect of losing two teams
• We are confident that increased numbers will give real competition for places.
• It will raise the standard of football
• The new team will freshen up players who may have become stale or complacent
• We recognise that some players will be playing an age group higher than their respective age, however this is common across all teams. In fact the majority of clubs do not have a club structure like we have at AGSA
• As a club we do not want to lose any girls to any other club, or for them to give up playing football.
• Many of the girls particularly, the under 13’s team have been with the club for a long time, and we hope they have a real affection for the club and we want themto continue to develop their skills further, and be with AGSA for many years to come
• The sooner we make a decision regarding next season the sooner we can arrange for training for the new squad, arrange some friendly matches and enter tournaments etc

As a club we are ambitious and have several applications in for funding which will raise our profile in the local schools and allow us to provide paid coaches to work in many of the local schools which hopefully will attract more girls to the club.

At the end of the day your daughter’s enjoyment of the game is paramount to the club but we sincerely hope that both you and your daughter will remain loyal to Accrington Girls and Ladies Football Club. We hope that you will discuss the issues with your daughter and encourage her to continue with the club.

Committee members are available to meet with individual or groups of parents to discuss the plans for next season. Please speak to any of the committee members to give us feedback on the proposals.

Parents are also welcome to attend our committee meetings, the next one is scheduled for Monday 20 April at 7.30pm at the Poplar Club Accrington.

We value your feedback on this or any other issue. You can pass any comments on via your team manager, to any committee member (there's always soneone from the committee at training) or via email, either to info@aglfc.org.uk or to agsasec@aol.com

Accrington & Rossendale College Girls Soccer Academy

The Annual Club Presentation evening was held on Friday 15th May 2009 at the Poplar Club, Accrington.

Special Guest Rachel Brown presented the awards

Honorary Club President Rachel Brown (Everton & England goalkeeper) once again very kindly gave up her time to present the awards. Rachel was a popular visitor with the younger players (and quite a few older ones!!!) and she was happy to sign photographs and have pictures taken with players. She also very kindly donated to the raffle, a signed pair of goalkeeping gloves which she wore in the last World Cup.

Many thanks to everyone who attended and made this such a special night for the players. It was good to see such a large turn out of players, families and friends. Thanks to everyone who have supported the girls this season at all age levels, thanks to everyone who have helped out in any way this season, be it running the line, refereeing games, coaching, managing, putting up and taking down goals and any of the other hundreds of tasks that accompany running a football club. Thanks to Bill Wilkinson who maintains the pitches to such a high standard, despite the best efforts of our Lancastrian climate. Thanks to Neil Broadhurst who kindly gave up his time to take photographs of the presentations.

Finally a huge THANK YOU to all the players for your time, efforts, commitment and skill over the last season.

Congratulations to all individual award winners, but remember that you are all part of the greatest team sport in the world, and nobody could achieve anything in the game without the support of your team mates.

Click to for more information and photos.

Becky plays for the Ladies team and will be the club’s link with the local press.

The club has had to withdraw the Under 18’s team from the West Lancashire League. This was due to a lack of players available to play.

The Under 18’s only had a small squad, and a combination of injuries and Saturday matches which clashed with player’s jobs meant they frequently played with only 8 players.

It was decided that it was in the best interests of the girls to withdraw from the league and merge them with the Ladies team.

Accrington Ladies '91

The club has unfortunately had to withdraw the Accrington Ladies '91 team from the Lancashire League Division 1. This is because of falling numbers of players and some players leaving to join other teams.

The AGSA Ladies team is still competing in this same league, and indeed is going from strength to strength in terms of player numbers and results.

The club are now looking at the possibilty of setting up a reserve side next season so that we have a natural progression from Youth football, through the reserves and hopefully onto the 1st team. This should enable the club to create strong adult teams with a 1st team capable of climbing up the football pyramid, which in turn will help the club attract more players at all age levels.

Accrington Girls & Ladies Football Club have won the Hyndburn Community Club of the Year for 2008.

The award ceremony took place on Friday 24th October at Preston Guild Hall.

In addition to winning this award for the second time in five years, the club will also be put forward for the prestigious Lancashire award.

Click to see more information and photographs.

Unfortunately the club has had to take the difficult decision to withdraw the Under 12's from the Lancashire League due to lack of players.

Despite repeated efforts we only had a small number of players registered with the club who were elegible to play for the Under 12's, therefore a decision was made to withdraw the team before the season started.

All the girls who have signed on will be joining the Under 11's squad in the North Valley League. This now means that the Under 11's will have a strong squad for the coming season. Cobi Riley has kindly agreed to manage this team.

Away From Football

British Ju Jitsu Association National Championship 2008

Congratulations to Lauren and Hannah who both won medals at the British Ju-Jitsu National Championship held at Walsall in July. Both girls won a gold medal at different disciplines. Hannah also won a silver and a bronze at other disciplines.

Click here to view a full list of medal winners on the British Ju Jitsu Association website

Hyndburn Primary Schools Tournament 2008

The club ran their first inter-schools tournament at Wilsons Playing Fields, Clayton-Le-Moors on Friday, 27th June 2008.

Five schools entered the tournament : Baxenden C E, St. John with St. Augustine, Mount Pleasant, Rishton Methodist, Gt. Harwod St. John's.

All of the games were played in a tremendous spirit, with some very talented players entertaining everyone with some high quality football.

Well done to all the girls who took part in the tournament, and we hope you all enjoyed yourselves and will hopefully continue to play "the beautiful game"

Winners of the Fair Play Trophy

2008

Baxenden C E

The competition was played on a league basis with every team playing each other once. The top 2 teams then played each other in the final to determine the winner. Each team was also given a mark by the match official for Fair Play and sporting behaviour.

All of the league games were keenly contested, with every player contributing to an entertaining and closely matched competition.

The final was between Mount Pleasant and Gt. Harwood St. John's - the match echoed the rest of the tournament, close, competitive and fair, with just one goal deciding the game in favour of Mount Pleasant.

Tournament Winners

2008

Mount Pleasant

Clayton-Le-Moors

The true winners of todays tournament was girls football

It is hoped that this tournament becomes an annual event which will hopefully lead to more girls taking up football in the area.

Some Thank You's

Thank you to Carl and Anne Ellwood for organising the tournament with the schools (and even arranging for a break in the monsoon weather)

Thanks to Paul Chadwick, Heather Bickerton, Anne Ellwood and Chris Bamford for acting as match officials on the day.

Thanks to Carl Ellwood and Scott Bowkley for running the administration for the tournament.

Thanks to Andrew Whittaker (Hyndburn Borough Council Sports Development Team) and Hyndburn Borough Council for providing the pitches and changing facilities.

Thanks to all the teachers, staff, governors and parents who managed to keep 60+ girls very well behaved and organised.

Dave Smith Memorial Trophy

Accrington Girls & Ladies Under 12's

Saturday 7th June 2008

Lyndon House Playing Fields

Great Harwood

Congratulations to Becky and Carrie who were honoured at the annual North Valley League Presentation.

Becky who plays for the Under 15's, received her award for being top scorer in the league

Carrie who plays for the Under 12's, received her award for Player of the Season (the player who received most Player of the Match awards)

Well done to both of you on your awards.

The presentation night for the season 2007/08 was held at the Poplar Club on Friday 9th May. Many thanks to everyone who attended, making it a special night for all the players. Thanks to the players for all their efforts this season, congratulations to the winners of the individual awards, but never forget that football is the greatest TEAM sport in the world and I'm sure that all the award winners recognise the tremendous support they have received from their team mates.

A special thanks to everyone at the club who has helped in other areas, whether its refereeing matches, running the line for managers, assisting with training sessions, helping with fund-raising activities, washing kits, transporting players.....the list goes on and on. Without your help and support the club would struggle to progress and move forward. Thanks to all the people who have supported the teams this season - its good to see so many people watching, supporting and encouraging all the players, and I think you'll all agree we've been privileged to see some wonderful football played. Thank You All.

Thanks once again to Bill Wilkinson who maintains the pitches to such a good standard, in a season when virtually every club in the leagues have struggled with the attrocious weather this season....Thanks Bill.

Clearing Header

Near Miss From Corner

PIE AND CHIPS

Our girls managed to get 3 footballs through the hole. The score will now appear on the 'pie' chart in future matchday magazines at Burnley.

Well done to all who took part.

Click on photo to see more piccies of Presentation Night

Presentation Night 2006/7

The presentation night was held at the Poplar Club in Accrington on Saturday 12th May. A great night was enjoyed by a tremendous turnout of players, parents and supporters of the club. Well done and thanks to all the players of all ages for making this such a good season. Thank you to all the people who have given such great support to all the teams throughout the year. It is good to see so many people at all the games and your support and encouragement is very much appreciated. A big thank you to our groundsman, Bill Wilkinson who gives up a lot of his time in keeping the pitches clearly marked and cut. Thank you to all those people who have refereed matches or have assisted by running the line at matches. A final thanks to all the managers, coaches and volunteers who help every week at matches and at training because without your help, the club wouldn't continue to grow and prosper.

Congratulations to all the individual winners, it was a very difficult choice for the managers and coaches because of the high standard of all our players

Click to see individual winners

Congratulations to the Under 11's A team

North Valley League Winners 2007

North Valley League Cup Winners 2007

Commiserations to the Under 16's team who were beaten in controversial circumstances

in the North Valley League Cup Final

Pressing the Lammack goal

Midfield action