This coming season will see three local football players in the Women’s Super League next season, all of whom started off at an early age playing for our local junior teams.

Mia Enderby started off playing football at the age of six, but had to wait a few years to join Eccleshill Junior Blues u9s. After impressing at Sheffield United, she is now looking forward to her second season at Liverpool FC, where her first goal for the club was not only celebrated on the day but also awarded goal of the season! She is also turning out for England U19s. This week Enderby put away a penalty against Serbia, to secure a point in the group stages at the tournament in Lithuania.

Her former team-mate at Sheffield United, Bex Rayner, started off playing for Bradford (Park Avenue) Juniors at u7 level, and has played over 100 times for the Blades over four seasons. Rayner has just left Bramhall Lane and joined WSL side Brighton & Hove Albion, who have described the 24-year-old as “a standout player” of last season’s Championship.

Molly-Mae Sharpe also started off young, playing for Thackley Juniors at around five years old, later playing open-age football with Bradford City. She is about to start her fourth season with promoted Crystal Palace, who have been so impressed with the 26-year-old, that they have awarded her a two-year contract.

Tyersal kicked off their pre-season at home with a friendly against Crossley Belles.

Wyke Wanderers, who play and train at the Wyke Sports Village on Wilson Road, will join Eccleshill United, Forge Way, Route One Rovers and Silsden Juniors in a five-way pre-season round-robin competition over the next few weeks, starting this Sunday.

Pre-season games (selected) — 21st July: Horsforth v. Farsley (at Bodington); Ilkley v. Colne; Route One v. Silsden; Queensbury v. Crossley; Wyke v. Forge Way. 28th July: Eccleshill v. Wyke; Forge Way v. Route One; Fylde v. Halifax; Ilkley v. Skipton; Ilkley Devs v. Skipton Devs; Salts v. Batley. 4th August: Altofts v. Wyke; Doncaster v. Leeds United (Julie Chipchase Trophy); Ilkley Devs v. Dewsbury Moor; Queensbury v. Crofton; Salts v. Halifax Friendly; Skipton v. Knaresborough.

Eldwick Lionesses have announced that they will be playing their WRCWFL home games at Marley ACC, on the main pitch. Thursday-night training will also be at the same venue, at 8 pm.

Route One Rovers have confirmed that they will be using Bradford Academy as their base for matches and training.

Bradford City Women will continue to play first-team games at Horsfall in an 11-team NERWFL Premier Division, after Wakefield AFC have surprisingly discontinued their successful women’s side.

Thackley Ladies have lost their appeal to County FA regarding their recent relegation from County Premier. The new-look Thackley have made several signings prior to their first friendlies, including new players Beth Davies and Elle Scott, with Taylor Rushworth returning to the team.

Farsley Celtic Women recently held their Presentation Night at the Citadel. There were awards for: Imogen Nichols (Young Player of the Season), Tegan Elder (Most improved player) and Kathryn Raw (Manager’s player of the season). The Moment of the Season was Ebony Hartnett’s wonder goal against Ackworth, and Special Awards were also given to Kirsty Dwyer-Moran and Lauren Rigby. The top Goalscorer with 31 goals in 20 appearances, missing out on a League award by just the one goal, was Shirley Murphy, who was also declared Supporters’ player of the season and Players’ player of the season.

The FA National League have announced that all teams are limited to just the one mid-week league fixture home and away.

Halifax FC open their new season on 18th August with a home fixture against Rugby Borough, the first game to be played at their new home of Horsfall. Before that, Halifax have four friendlies, but these are all away. Their visitors are playing their first Northern Premier Division match, after being transferred laterally from the Southern half of the FA National League.

Leeds United will continue to play their Division 1 North games at Garforth, starting with a local derby against recently-relegated Huddersfield Town.