Back in 2024 I signed up to join the Halifax Amateurs Lionesses, a brand new team forming in Halifax who would be playing 9 a side football, a mixed ability team with some players coming across from other teams, some getting back into football after years of not playing and some who had never played before. The team has come on leaps and bounds since the first ever training session and in today's post we get to chat to Lioness goalkeeper Becky Alderson who is also in charge of the women's team and set the wheels in motion for the team to be where it is today, here is how that chat went...

EOTA : So to get things under way tell us a bit about the Lionesses and how the team formed ready for their first season.

BA : So the team was formed just over 12 months ago now. We came together after I stopped playing elsewhere and decided to start a new team within the my own club. The team is a mix of some that have played football before and some that haven’t. We began training mid-way through last season really and then started to get some friendly games in ready to start the season this time.

EOTA : The team play in the 9 a side division for beginners & developers do you think these 9 a side leagues are perfect for those just trying to get into the game or get back into it? 

BA : Yes I absolutely do. They are a great format that allows anyone to be apart of it really. There doesn’t seem to be as many barriers in the 9v9 format than that at the 11v11. Its great because the kick off times are slightly later than normal which allows those with kids ( or those who coach) to be able to do both. The length of the game is better too, so that definitely helps with the fitness concerns. The rules around subs etc help to as that means that people can play for a few minutes and keep rotating depending on the ability and fitness levels.

EOTA : Do you think these leagues are going to be a big part of growing the women's game?

BA : I think as a whole the 9v9 will grow the game, but possibly not in the way people would think. It will naturally grow the game because they allow a wider range of people to be involved, there is no upper limit so absolutely anyone can be involved. I think some will see them as a negative league and think that football should be played 11v11 at adult level but its good to see the game expanding. Most of these women will have possibly been involved in the game in some capacity just maybe not a playing one, so they definitely increase participation that way.

EOTA :  The team is a mixed ability team with plenty of opportunity for everyone, those who came with little confidence have really grown into the game is this one of the most important things you hoped for when starting the team? 

BA : Yes definitely I am no professional footballer and certainly not the best player, and I wouldn’t be able to get into a team with the level of kids coming through these days. It’s a team that is available to everyone, as with any of the teams within our club. Seeing the confidence of a lot of the players increase throughout the past year has been amazing to see. Ladies that haven’t played football before or haven’t played for many many years, absolutely loving the game. I remember the first session I took it was a bunch of women that didn’t really know each other and were all really shy and didn’t really speak. Then fast forward 12 months and you can see the difference that’s what makes it special.

EOTA : We have seen the team start their first season really strong what do you think has been a key factor on their performances so far?

BA : I honestly think just making sure the ladies play with a smile. From the first game we played I've always said we have to enjoy what we are doing and be proud and that exactly what they do. We have taken one game at a time and worked hard when things maybe haven’t gone as planned and we have been able to adapt and learn which is what we need. The team work hard for each other and that also helps.

EOTA :  In the first season we have already seen the team step out of their comfort zone and move to 11 a side for the cup and make it into the second round how proud did you feel seeing those players step up and show just what they are capable of?

BA : The cup game was a great occasion, some will laugh at that but It really was. We were lucky to be able to play at the ground the majority of our teams play at, and experience the grass pitch. It was our first 11v11 game and we just said we needed to enjoy it, we needed to win our individual challenges and that what we did. I was in goal and it was a joy to watch (although freezing) we played some great football against a very well established team and it was great to get the win in front of many friends, family & off course our junior players.

EOTA :  The women's game is growing massively and you can now say your club is apart of that with the lionesses playing under the club name, as someone who has been in women's football for a while now how does that make you feel?

BA : The over riding emotion has to be pride, we started with two teams that were all male so to have a women's team in the club is amazing. We have girls playing in junior teams too which is also great to see, the women's game is always going to keep growing so hopefully we can continue to grow the female participation within our club too.

EOTA : The Lionesses have gone from strength to strength and with the season coming to an end what are your hopes for season 2?

BA : Season 2 will bring some different challenges hopefully. The league we are in at the moment is a small one so we have played the same selection of teams over and over again so hopefully we can increase the number of teams in  the league and play against some different teams and continue to learn and develop as a team.

EOTA : Finally for anyone local who might be reading this and wanting to put the boots on for the first time or return to the game after a long absence what would you say to them? 

BA : Just do it, you will never know if you don’t try it. The team are a lovely bunch who welcome anyone with open arms, ask as many questions as possible and enjoy the buzz of being apart of the team.

So there you have it, you can follow the Lionesses on Facebook & Instagram to see their journey going into season 2. Being a part of this teams first season has been absolutely brilliant and I know that personally I am really excited to see what season 2 has in store for the team as there is some great potential. 

Thank you Becky for taking the time to chat to us and all I can say is expect plenty more content about the HAJFC Lionesses in the future as they are a big part of our day to day and with season 2 on the way there is plenty to write about so watch this space.