THE recently formed Bingley Belles FC are putting final touches to their project.

A trio of former Bradford City and Park Avenue coaches - Stephen Rushforth, Anthony Joyce and Marcus Matthew – established the club in January with a long-term view of making Belles one of the best women’s football teams in West Yorkshire.

Rushforth and his coaching team have accepted that it will take time for the project to reach its full potential, but with the knowledge and experience the trio possess in relation to women’s football at local level, there is a real belief that their plans are beginning to take shape.

The club had originally been training at Zara Sports Centre, Bingley, however they’ve gone one step further and now have their own home.

They now train and will play their Division Four West Riding County Women's Football League matches at Bradford and Bingley Sports Club, Wagon Lane.

Speaking about the move, Rushforth said to the T&A: “We agreed with the committee down at the club that this would be our new home.

“We’re delighted to have it over the line because they have great facilities down there, whether it be for football, rugby or cricket.

“Not only that, but they’re also allowing us to put food and drinks on after the matches, so it will help to grow the community and club.

“We can’t thank them enough; we’re just over the moon that we’ve got our own home.”

Not only have Bingley Belles found a home base, but they’ve also signed a ‘lifetime partnership’ with Evolve Coaching, who specialise in football coaching that tailors to a team’s or club’s specific needs.

Rushforth said: “It’s great that we’re on board with Evolve, as the lads down there have got a great deal of knowledge and expertise.

“Dom Doherty, Everton Academy coach, was more than happy to sign up Bingley Belles.”

Explaining the advantages of working with Evolve, Rushforth said: “We’ve discussed what ideas myself and the coaching staff have for the team, particularly around how we want to play.

“Evolve are now in the process of producing our game model and syllabus, so they’ll help plan coaching sessions on a week-to-week basis to match our needs.

“They’ll look at which formations will best suit our team, and they’ll give us further tips on what kind of player characteristics would suit each position.

“So, it’s going to be really helpful for us, particularly when we’re looking to balance this project with work life.

“Of course, me, Anthony and Marcus have good experience around the women’s game and have coached at a good level.

“However, sometimes it’s nice to get a different view from somewhere else.

“Dom has worked at Premier League Clubs, so he has a great deal of knowledge, and not only that, what he’s doing at Evolve is brilliant with clubs all over the world.”

Rushforth added: “I’ve said all along, we want this project to go somewhere, and we believe we can achieve that.

“Having a connection with a company like Evolve Coaching can only help us with that.”

Bingley Belles are still looking to recruit players and sponsors, so make sure to contact: bingleybelleswfc@gmail.com if interested.

And for more information on Evolve Coaching, CLICK HERE.