Girl player-turned-coach sets up team

A female football coach, who played for a boys' team as a child, is setting up a women's team.
Coaches Leanne Prudhoe and Andrew Marshall alongside players from Washington Juniors Ladies side, who are looking for sponsorship.Coaches Leanne Prudhoe and Andrew Marshall alongside players from Washington Juniors Ladies side, who are looking for sponsorship.
Coaches Leanne Prudhoe and Andrew Marshall alongside players from Washington Juniors Ladies side, who are looking for sponsorship.

Leanne Prudhoe, who already coaches and under-12s team is hoping that a new over-16s side in Washingtom, will play in the Durham FA league this season.

Once a football-mad youngster, Leanne, now 33, was the only girl playing in the High Usworth Junior School team.

Leanne Prudhoe, picture in 1982.Leanne Prudhoe, picture in 1982.
Leanne Prudhoe, picture in 1982.
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In 1992 – we printed a photo of the then 10-year-old after she scored the winning two goals for her side.

Leanne said: “I was the only girl at the time that played football for a boys’ school team, witch was a bit controversial.

“I was brought on as a sub, and, in the last five minutes, I scored two goals to win the game.”

Now Leanne is keen to develop women’s football further, alongside her full-time job, working in a warehouse.

Leanne Prudhoe, picture in 1982.Leanne Prudhoe, picture in 1982.
Leanne Prudhoe, picture in 1982.
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She and fellow coach Andrew Marshall have set up a new women’s team, to promote women’s fitness in Washington and surrounding areas.

The mum-of-one said: “As long as I can remember I have loved football, and I can still remember scoring those goals now.

“It was one of the best feelings I had as a kid – amazing.

“That year I went to high school and could not play for a team as high school did not have a girls team back then.”

Football development officer Alysha Cook, of Durham County FA, said: “We are delighted to see FA charter standard clubs developing female sections.

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“This new ladies’ team will help us increase the amount of females’ teams in the county and will help us grow adult female football.”

Leanne and Andrew are now looking for sponsors for the new team to take them into the league, as well as sponsors and players for the junior team.

Leanne can be contacted on 07568 062518 or email [email protected] or call Andy on 07572 462994 or email [email protected]