Viva La Thurmo Magazine - Issue No. 3

NOTES FROM THE GAFFER

JAMES WEST

We’ve made it through another week, and last weekend certainly gave us plenty to remember.

Sunday began with a friendly for our Men’s team. After their opening league fixture back in August, they’d had a couple of weeks without a game, so this was the perfect chance to shake off the cobwebs. We welcomed our friends from Top House, who play in the Premier Division of the Alliance League. Despite conceding an early goal, the Foxes fought back brilliantly and came away with a 6–3 win. (Though truth be told, it should have been 6–1 — I came on for a 15-minute cameo at left back and we conceded two! I think it’s best I stick to managing.)

the Vixens would have a huge positive impact on a small club like ours. Back in 2017, when I first started the club, I could never have imagined we’d be here now — with our Women’s section leading the way, shaping the future, and putting our name on the map.

We’re coming into this as underdogs, but with the fantastic following I know we have here today, we can make the difference. So please, shout, cheer, and support the girls for the full 90 minutes. It’s a massive moment for us, and your voices from the sidelines matter more than ever.

At Asfordby, we enjoyed a double header. The Vixens kicked off their league season in tough conditions as the weather turned, but they battled hard and started in style with a 2–0 victory. Meanwhile, our Kits hosted Leicester City Development at Roundhill and secured their first league win of the season with another impressive 2–0 result. A huge thank you goes to Bex Wells for stepping in to take charge with manager Sarah Jenkins unavailable. It’s moments like these that show the strength of our club — members pulling together to make sure the teams get the support they need and everyone keeps playing. This week brings an even bigger challenge. If the First Round Qualifying felt big, the Second Round is massive. Opportunities like this don’t come around often for clubs at our level, and a win for

The Kits also travel with us to Coalville this weekend, where they’ll face Coalville’s second side at the same time and on the same site as the Vixens’ big fixture. It’ll be a unique occasion with both teams playing side by side, and I hope the Kits can carry on their positive start with another strong result in their first away game of the season.

On Sunday morning, our Men’s team are also in cup action, heading away to Shepshed Oaks for their League Cup First Round tie. Fingers crossed they can get the result and book a place in the next round.

As always, I want to thank every single one of you for your support, no matter which team you’re watching this weekend. Our players thrive on the energy you bring — it makes all the difference.

Viva La Thurmo!

THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES

THE VIXENS

The Adobe Women’s FA Cup Second Qualifying Round

Mander Cruickshank Solicitors Stadium. LE67 3DA Kick Off - 14:00

What an opportunity, and what a moment today’s fixture is!

We travel to Coalville this afternoon for the Second Round Qualifying of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, full of confidence after two fantastic results. The Vixens followed up their incredible 8–0 win over Boston United in the previous round with a strong 2–0 league victory over Allexton last weekend — the perfect way to kick off the season.

Today’s opponents need little introduction. Coalville were crowned league champions last season, going undefeated on their way to promotion to Tier 6. They come into this round of the Cup on the back of a 2–0 win over West Bridgford. Having drawn 1–1 with West Bridgford in pre-season, we know Coalville will present a tough challenge. With several new faces added to their squad over the summer, they’re likely to be an even stronger outfit this year.

We know from experience how tough Coalville can be. In February, we travelled to face them in the league and fell to a 3–1 defeat, despite putting in a performance that left a real impression. When they came to Roundhill for our final game of the season, we set out with one goal — to be the only side to beat the champions. The Vixens defended brilliantly and pushed until the final whistle, but their clinical counter-attack saw them edge a 1–0 victory. Although the result wasn’t in our favour, the display showed just how far our team had come over the course of the season.

Today is about writing the next chapter. We also welcome a special group of mascots who will be joining us out on the pitch before kick-off. Evie Ludlow has one of the sweetest player sponsors of the season, as her Coalville Ravenettes Under-9s side have come together to

support her. To show our appreciation, the girls will walk out with the team today and enjoy a fantastic experience that we hope inspires them to continue playing the game we all love. In addition, we’re delighted to welcome Freya Stabik, whose story featured in last week’s programme. Freya will lead the team out, walking hand-in-hand with our captain.

There’s no doubt today will be a tough test. We face an experienced side from the division above, but the Vixens are in fine form and ready to give everything. This is what the FA Cup is all about — big challenges, special occasions, and the chance to make memories that will last forever.

A CHAT WITH

LIBBIE TAYLOR

Libbie was our Player of the Match in the last round of the FA Cup. The winger made four assists as well as scoring one herself away against Boston. Who better to chat to this week?

A – ALL-time favourite football player

David Nugent

B – What BOOTS do you wear & your preferred BOOT BRAND

Adidas F50 currently!

Brighter boots the better

C – Your go to CELEBRATION when you score?

No celebration. Keeping it casual.

D – Who is the worst DANCER in the squad?

Mollie Jowett - video evidence available.

E – What do you like to EAT before a game?

Danielle’s speciality - chicken sausage and egg breakfast wrap

F – Who has the worst FASHION sense in the squad?

No comment.

G – What is the best GOAL you have ever scored?

I’ve been thinking all week about this and I just cannot pick one. Too many to choose from and I am terrible at making decisions.

H – How do you keep yourself HYDRATED & HEALTHY throughout a season? Redbull pre game. Pint and popadoms post game.

I – Who is the biggest INSPIRATION in your life & why?

My Grandad Den - was always my biggest supporter.

J – Who is the biggest JOKER on the team?

Casey Allen - never fails to make me laugh

K – What KIT number do you love to wear & why?

Number 9. No explanation needed..

L – What is the biggest LESSON that football has taught you?

Football isn’t just about winning games. Being part of this team has helped me on and off the pitch. Love this team!

M – What is your go to pre match MUSIC?

Dance music

N – Who is the NICEST player in the squad?

Zoe! Always the sweetest and always lending me a jacket when I’m cold.

O – Can you describe your personality in ONE word? Chaos.

P – What is your favourite POSITION to play?

R – How do you normally deal with a REFEREE’S tough decision?

Striker or Left Wing.

Q – What is the best QUALITY you need in a teammate?

Positivity, good communication and support.

Get shouted at by Lockett for not letting it go. I hear the phrase ‘snap out of it’ regularly

S – Which football club did you grow up SUPPORTING?

Leicester City!

T – What TV-SHOW are you currently watching?

Brassic

U – What is the most UNFORGETTABLE moment of your football career?

FA Cup Vs Boston United. What a day. What an achievement. Or being top goalscorer last season.

V – VACATION spot you’d love to visit after the season?

Anywhere with sunshine.

W – WHO is your best friend in the team & why?

The ICONIC group of Lockett, Holly, Danielle, Casey, myself, Westy, Mollie, Zoe & Alys. However Danielle is sat next to me and is forcing me to say she is my best friend...

X – What is the worst injury (X-RAY) of your football career? No major injuries as of yet.

Y – How many YEARS have you played football for?

18+ years

Z – What is your ZODIAC sign and do you believe it matches your personality on the pitch?

Leo. I’ve been told to say yes it matches

THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES

THE KITS

Leicestershire women’s & girls football league Women’s league division 2

Owen Street Sports Ground, Coalville. LE67 3DA Kick Off - 14:00

The Kits head into this weekend full of confidence after last Sunday’s excellent 2–0 home win over Leicester City Development — their first victory of the season. With spirits high, they now follow the Vixens to Coalville for what will be their first away fixture of the campaign.

Today promises to be a real test. Coalville are a side that thrive on physical battles, especially in midfield, where they look to dominate possession and impose themselves on the game. But the Kits know they can cause problems with their own brand of fast, attacking football.

Last season proved exactly that. In the home fixture, a dominant display earned a 5–1 victory, with Coalville unable to cope with the Kits’ intensity. The return match — despite a depleted squad and some questionable refereeing decisions — saw

the Kits once again hit five, travelling home with all three points in style.

This season may offer a new challenge. Coalville have strengthened over the summer and, despite narrowly losing their first fixture 2–1 against Market Bosworth, look to be a more competitive outfit. The Kits, however, can take confidence not only from last weekend’s result but also from the progress they’ve made as a group. Their first win was a reminder of what this team is capable of when they play with freedom, energy, and belief.

With the spotlight firmly on the Vixens’ FA Cup clash across the same site, this match gives the Kits the perfect chance to quietly go about their business, focus on their own performance, and hopefully secure another big result on the road.

Luxury

A CHAT WITH

JODIE HILL

Jodie has been in and around the club for a long period of time now and as well as being a brilliant asset to the Kits team, she helps behind the scenes with our club committee.

A – ALL-time favourite football player Lucy Bronze.

B – What BOOTS do you wear & your preferred BOOT BRAND

Currently Nike, new boots will most likely be Adidas!

C – Your go to CELEBRATION when you score?

I mean it’s never happened, but if it does I’ll probably just be awkward and try to play it cool.

D – Who is the worst DANCER in the squad?

Throwing this one back at G, so Georgia for sure!

E – What do you like to EAT before a game?

Beans on toast with cheese, and a side of hash browns.

F – Who has the worst FASHION sense in the squad?

G – What is the best GOAL you have ever scored?

In my head it was a rocket from the half way line but in real life I’ve never scored in a game!

Going to pick on Demi for this one. Sorry girl!

H – How do you keep yourself HYDRATED & HEALTHY throughout a season?

Healthy balanced diet always!! Jokes, anyone that knows me, knows I have a very basic beige diet!

I – Who is the biggest INSPIRATION in your life & why?

My children! They keep me going and pushing to be the best person I can be.

J – Who is the biggest JOKER on the team?

Leah! On and off the pitch we are always having a laugh together.

K – What KIT number do you love to wear & why?

Number 2! Lucy Bronze but also the position I play.

L – What is the biggest LESSON that football has taught you?

To believe in myself!

M – What is your go to pre match MUSIC?

Whatever is playing in the changing rooms!

N – Who is the NICEST player in the squad?

Sarah, heart of gold that girl!

O – Can you describe your personality in ONE word? Loyal.

P – What is your favourite POSITION to play?

Right back but love having a go on the wing as well.

R – How do you normally deal with a REFEREE’S tough decision?

Q – What is the best QUALITY you need in a teammate?

To be a team player! We play for each other and work together.

Express my opinion but know when I walk away.

S – Which football club did you grow up SUPPORTING? Manchester United!

T – What TV-SHOW are you currently watching? Brassic

U – What is the most UNFORGETTABLE moment of your football career?

Winning managers player! That felt emotional.

V – VACATION spot you’d love to visit after the season? Greece, hopefully next summer.

W – WHO is your best friend in the team & why?

Leah and Sarah! Always there for me and have my back! .

X – What is the worst injury (X-RAY) of your football career?

? I mean I’m old so often in pain! But I’d say torn meniscus!

Y – How many YEARS have you played football for? 5 years.

Z – What is your ZODIAC sign and do you believe it matches your personality on the pitch?

Leo - loyal and dramatic… I’d say that’s me all over on the pitch to be honest!

ROSS COLLINS

2025/26 SQUAD

2025/26 SQUAD

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

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NIALL CARTER

HONOUR SLATER

SOPHIE HOWARD

DANIELLE LEE

2025/26 SQUAD

LIBBIE TAYLOR

ALYS BROGAN

LAUREN BRACEY

CANDICE-MARIE HATHAWAY

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LEAH WHEELER

IMOGEN SANDERS

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AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

SOPHIE HOWARD

HONOUR SLATER

KAISEY HIGGOTT

NATALIE FRIDAY

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AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

JADE HOWDEN

CHLOE MCDERMOTT

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AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR CLUB SPONSORS

CLUB & DEVELOPMENT SPONSORS

VIXENS HOME KIT SPONSOR

KITS HOME KIT SPONSOR

AWAY KIT SPONSOR CREATIVE SPONSOR

We would also like to offer a huge thank you to Both Blues Home Improvements and Bridge Car Services. Thanks also go to all of our other donators for their generosity and kindness in supporting the club during the difficult period following the fire damage to our cabin.

LEAGUE TABLE

LEICESTERSHIRE WOMENS AND GIRLS DIVISION 1

LEAGUE TABLE

LEICESTERSHIRE WOMENS AND GIRLS DIVISION 2

NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES

SUNDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Kits v AFC Market Bosworth