Viva La Thurmo Magazine - Issue No. 4

NOTES FROM THE GAFFER

JAMES WEST

Welcome to another week of football!

We’re still buzzing from last week’s incredible FA Cup victory for our Vixens, who fought back from 2–0 down to win on penalties. A massive thank you to everyone who came out to support the girls — your backing meant the world to them and played a huge part in that special result.

Last week’s FA Cup heroics honestly brought me to tears. For anyone who has followed the journey of this club over the past eight years, you’ll know it hasn’t always been an easy ride. My goal has always been simple: to provide footballing opportunities for adults in our community while remaining competitive. That win on Sunday not only marked a proud moment on the pitch, but also secured a more comfortable future for the club, allowing us to focus on giving our members the very best we can.

a little shout out to my parents. They’ve supported both the club and me from the very beginning. Many of our players today may not know them or recognise them, but the work they’ve done behind the scenes to support me has never gone unnoticed. So I thought it was only right to give them the limelight this week in the programme. Thanks Mum, thanks Dad.

Unfortunately, our men’s team bowed out of the League Cup in the first round, and due to fixture scheduling they have a week off. The same goes for the Vixens, who requested an early break with a few squad members away on holiday. After last week’s hard-fought cup tie, the break will also give the players a chance to rest, recover, and prepare for a huge FA Cup third-round qualifier against Mansfield Town next weekend. We’d love to see as many of you as possible there to cheer them on.

It’s also been a landmark week off the field. Our women’s section has begun a new chapter with training facilities — keeping our roots firmly in Thurmaston, where the Kits have secured a training pitch, while our Vixens take an important step forward by moving training to Charnwood College in Loughborough. This gives the club a clearer pathway from development right through to the First Team. It’s an exciting time as we continue to learn, grow, and develop together.

On a personal note, I’d also like to give

That leaves our full attention this weekend on the Kits. After struggling with numbers in last week’s trip to Coalville, we welcome back Katie Stone and captain Evie Ludlow, both of whom featured in the Vixens’ memorable cup win. The Kits are back at Roundhill today, and we’re also delighted to announce a new addition: striker Madi Warner, joining from Division 1 side Birstall United. Her arrival should provide some muchneeded firepower for the season ahead..

Viva La Thurmo!

THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES

THE KITS

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

Roundhill Academy, Thurmaston. LE4 8GQ Kick Off - 14:00

The Kits are the only side representing the club this weekend, coming into today’s fixture after a tough defeat on the road last time out. With a depleted squad, the team travelled to face Coalville Town Development, where circumstances were always going to make things difficult.

Captain Evie Ludlow and midfielder Katie Stone were unavailable after being called up to the Vixens’ FA Cup squad — and what a call-up it proved to be! Evie netted

the equaliser while Katie coolly slotted home the winning penalty in the shootout. Huge congratulations to them both, and to the Vixens on their fantastic result. With those absences, a handful of injuries, and other players unavailable, the Kits could only take a bare eleven to Coalville. The lack of substitutes inevitably told as the game wore on, but there were still positives to take. In particular, Candice put in a standout

display, showing the hard work she’s been putting in at training to keep improving. This weekend, the Kits return home to face AFC Market Bosworth. Our visitors arrive on the back of a staggering 27–0 victory over Melton, a result that certainly raised eyebrows across the division. Last season, Bosworth finished second from bottom, with the Kits beating them 4–1 on both occasions. But they appear to have strengthened considerably over the summer and will no doubt provide a much sterner challenge this time around.

Thank you, as always, to everyone turning out to support the team. Your backing makes a real difference, and we’re hopeful the Kits can bounce back with a strong performance and get back to winning ways this weekend.

A CHAT WITH

FREYA COOKE

Freya was a new addition in the summer and has become an integral member of the kits squad already. Off the pitch she is always bring the fun in the group chat.

A – ALL-time favourite football player

Has to be the man, the myth, the legend that is Jamie Vardy. Legand!

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

I wear nike boots at the minute. No idea what they are though but I wear them because they fit so nicely.

C – Your go to CELEBRATION when you score?

The worm. I learnt how to do it so now it’s my favourite thing to do.

D – Who is the worst DANCER in the squad?

It’s going to have to go the Georgia.

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

One singular breakfast bar. A cocopops one to be specific.

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

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

I make sure to drink a lot of water and eat healthy enough.

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

Demi. I know you have been given it a lot so I’m sorry!

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

Probably a goal I scored with my head. Top corner, chefs kiss. Mwah.

My older sister. she has taught me how to be driven and do the things I want to do in my life.

J – Who is the biggest JOKER on the team?

I’m going to have to reward both Jodie and Leah for this as a join win.

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

Number 4 or 6. They are even but also look at them, they look so cute. They are numbers I’d like to boop on the nose.

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

I’d say to keep calm and collected in stressful situations..

M – What is your go to pre match MUSIC?

A bit of Dave or D-Block Europe. I love a bit of roadman before football.

N

– Who is the NICEST player in the squad? Kate or Evie. They are both sweet individuals and look after everybody.

O – Can you describe your personality in ONE word? Funky

P – What is your favourite POSITION to play? Centre Back. I love the physicality

Q – What is the best QUALITY you need in a teammate? Communication. It’s key.

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

I won’t lie, I usually spit my dummy out but it will slowly go back in once I realise there is no need. Usually I will walk away and say ergh whatever!

S – Which football club did you grow up SUPPORTING? Leicester. Born and bred but also I like Liverpool.

T – What TV-SHOW are you currently watching? Glee and I love it!

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

Beating my old team in a tournament and getting to win a trophy.

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

Bora Bora but I don’t have the money for that.

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

I’ve got to say Kate. She’s like a mother figure and a cutie patootie and she looks after me.

X – What is the worst injury (X-RAY) of your football career? My ACL tear. It puts me out for 6 month and was gut-wrenching..

Y – How many YEARS have you played football for?

Since year 7, you do the Math. Well its 6 years.

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

I’m a Capricorn, it matches me because they are driven, can be driven but also be a little bit Loosey Goosey, you know what I’m saying?

Sponsored by Freya Cooke

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A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR CLUB SPONSORS

CLUB & DEVELOPMENT SPONSORS

VIXENS HOME KIT SPONSOR

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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