In a bold move that reshaped the landscape of women’s football in Worksop, Worksop Town Ladies were formed in 2020, with both sides establishing themselves as an independent force with big ambitions and a clear identity.

“We’re not here to compete with anyone – there’s space for multiple women’s teams in Worksop,” says head coach David Jones, whose vision for collaboration rather than conflict is central to the club’s new era.

But make no mistake – this is more than a name change. It’s the beginning of a purposeful journey to raise standards, build infrastructure, and create a lasting legacy for women’s football in the region.

The split: not a turf war, a strategic change

The roots of the club go back five years, when they were in the SJR Worksop setup. But as first-team manager Chris Wainwright saw it, it was now the time for the club to develop a new image that would be indicative of their long-term strategy.

“We were originally a part of SJR. but we talked to the owner of Worksop Town, Pete, and said we wanted to utilise their grounds and become Worksop Town Junior FC,” says Chris. “We’re still two different clubs, but our link now comes through to the U21s, then the reserves, and finally the first team. It’s a natural way through.”

Though the two clubs are now separate entities, both coaches are quick to point out there is no ill will – only opportunity.

“I would be delighted to have us and SJR work together,” says David. “If we’ve got a player who is too good for us, we’ll shoot them on. And if they’ve got someone who needs to get into the game or create space, then we’re here.”

Building from the ground up

Since the breakaway, Worksop Town Ladies never held back in laying the foundation for something better. The dream is all about simplicity: grow from within, train with purpose, and cultivate players at every level of the game.

“We are five years in,” David says. “Not just building the senior team, but building in a place for girls aged 16, 17, 18 to develop into senior football – without the spectre of a Tier 5 club over their neck.”

Chris goes on, “Year one was all about playing football the right way. We didn’t worry about winning or losing. Now we’re into performance mode – getting it together as a group, as coaches, and as a club.”

Coaching for the Future

With a full complement of coaches in place now – Chris as manager, David as head coach, Billy as assistant and attacking coach, Adrian as keeper coach, and newest arrival physio Emma, the club is performing well above its present Tier 7 level.

“You’ll never find a team at this level with a dedicated physio at training and on match days,” says Chris. “That’s what we’re trying to do – future-proof the club, treat the players properly.”

And it’s not just about fitness and form. Academy-style training, data analysis, and position-specific development are becoming standard practice.

“We want girls to play in multiple positions – it makes them smarter players,” explains David. “We’re not the biggest club, but we’re trying to coach the right way.”

Facilitating talent 

The move under the Worksop Town banner has opened up access to better facilities, stronger media exposure, and the infrastructure needed to grow.

“In the context of the stadium, the building going on around us, and the owners’ backing – if we get it right, we will be heard,” Chris states. “We want to get to where players are being paid to play.”

It’s already doing that. The improved facilities are drawing attention – and talent. “Now, it’s about converting that into results,” Chris states.

Despite their breakaway, Worksop Town Ladies are looking outward, not inward. Their strategy is clear: collaborate, not compete.

“I’m a big advocate for the women’s game because of my daughter’s journey,” David shares. “I’ve seen how hard it is for girls to find the right place to grow.”

That experience drives a lot of the club’s philosophy: creating a safe, development-first environment, open to all levels of ability.

“We need to bring this working in silos to an end,” says David. “If it’s Donny Belles, Rotherham United, Chesterfield – we need to have a collective strategy. The women’s game can’t develop without unity.”

The club is not just worried about the pitch – they want to fill the seats, too.

“How do we engage the support of the men and perhaps get them to travel down on a Sunday?” David queries. “It’s free admission. We want children, families, schools… we want to make it a spectacle.” 

They have already made a start, inviting girl’s junior teams to provide guards of honour, and considering showcase events inspired by Chesterfield’s 1,500-strong trial days.

“That would be amazing here,” says David. “For the players, and for the town.”

So, What’s next?

The goal? Step Five football within five years. But it’s not all about the league table.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” says Chris. “Next year is just year two of this new project. But we’re on track.”

With a growing coaching staff, welcoming facilities, and a team mentality, Worksop Town Ladies FC are demonstrating how you don’t need to be playing at the pinnacle to act like a club at the pinnacle.

And though their recent formation may mark a fresh start, it’s one Worksop Town Ladies are determined will be one of growth,- not competition, for their players, the community, and women’s football in South Yorkshire.