CALLINGTON Town Ladies FC took small but significant steps towards building a new second team for the local community by holding an open session at Callington Community College on Wednesday, May 29.

The open session was well received by the 14 players in attendance. Following introductions from the management and coaching team, the new group were eased in with a fun and welcoming ball-work session. 

Whilst taking in the session, the new CTLFC second team manager, Lee Mann said: “We were blown away by how quickly the group integrated. They were laughing and looked really at ease with each other almost straight away. That is just what we wanted to see. There was a real mix of age and experience within the group but they trained well together. We know there are another six or seven players to still come into it so numbers are looking strong already. However, we are keen throughout June to open the sessions up to even more new players who wish to get involved, no matter their experience levels.”

The second team will go into the Cornwall Women’s Football League, which is the entry level within the women’s game in Cornwall. The club hope that they can develop young players with potential to make the first team, who are currently the highest ranked team in the county, but also aim to provide more footballing opportunities within East Cornwall for those who wish to either stay in the game or return to it having had a spell out.

The first team, who are reigning county cup champions, do not begin their pre-season until early July, when the club hope to then have both teams preparing for their respective friendlies later in the summer. So far, the two sides have pre-season games pencilled in against Buckland Athletic (firsts and development), Exeter City (firsts and development), Plymouth Argyle Development, Illogan, Signal Box Oak Villa and Ottery St Mary.

First team manager Adam McPherson added: “The plan is to get the new team off the ground and settled in with each other before both squads start training on the same night. As we want to have the chance for progression into the first team, we aim to have elements of the training which are mixed so we can give everyone a chance, but fundamentally the second team is about having fun, playing with less pressure and being able to learn and improve, both individually and as a team.

“The step into the South West Women’s Premier Division is a big one for 16-17 year-old players to make, so being able to provide a platform for them to get game-time, whilst learning and training alongside the first team players is an important element for us. We have some brilliant senior players who have many years’ experience at both county and regional levels who are willing to take on those leadership roles within the new team, so they are vital to how it functions too. It will hopefully be two teams but working as one footballing family with shared goals and ambitions.”

The open second team sessions are running throughout June and takes place on Wednesday evenings.

Any perspective players wishing to express an interest, should search ‘Callington LFC’ on Facebook or email [email protected]

Also, across both two teams, if anyone wishes to get involved to offer assistance in any capacity, please contact the club.