By Robert Haile

With the 2023-24 season is just around the corner The Herdwick News caught up with Workington Reds Ladies Manager, Paul Mackenzie, talking about the strange last season and link up with Workington Town RLFC.

The Lady Reds play in the North West Women’s Regional Division One along with local rivals Carlisle United Ladies and Penrith AFC Ladies.

Looking back at the 2022-23 season Mackenzie highlighted what a strange campaign it was with injuries and fixtures.

He exclusively told The Herdwick News: “Last season was a strange season for us. We were unfortunate in that we picked up injuries to several key players throughout the campaign and a spell of 12 away games out of 13 at the turn of the year was a significant test to our resolve.”

The club don’t have a junior section to call on but had recruited from the clubs around them as Mackenzie continued: “Fortunately for us we had attracted the services of some of the best junior talent before the season had started and we had added more quality as the season progressed.

“The absence of the injured players gave these new players their opportunity and albeit a baptism of fire in that they had to learn hard and fast, these players stood up to the challenge and grew exponentially over the season.”

The team also moved home from Workington AFC’s Borough Park to the Workington Town RLFC’s recently renamed Fibrus Community Stadium.

Mackenzie looks to this link adding: “Off the field the growth of the club was really strong fuelled by a newly forged relationship with Workington Town RLFC.

“This relationship enabled us to play all but two of our games last season at what is now called the Fibrus Community Stadium.

“As well as this benefitting us from a playing perspective, it also enabled us to invite over 250 junior female footballers the opportunity to play in curtain raisers before our games.

“We witnessed a growth in the number of supporters at our game with the highest number being around 300 in our first game at our new home.”

Turning his attention to this season and the players return Mackenzie sounded hopeful, as he said: “The players have came back from the break with an obvious drive to develop and a desire to achieve.

“Many have been working through the season break on their own fitness and this is paying dividends.

“There’s been good progress during preseason training and the performance in our first preseason win over Annan last week rewarded the efforts of both players and coaches alike.”

The team have since back this up with an 11-1 victory over Morecambe.

They have also been busy recruiting. “We have signed four new signings and they have slotted in extremely well,” Mackenzie explained.

“Bea Barber struck a hat-trick in her first game and youngster Rowan Williams opened her account too.

“Goalkeeper, Kayce Whinery and Left Back, Lauren Campbell, both contributed to keeping a clean sheet as well.”

Mackenzie has taken a different track with regards club targets and has focused on the players: “We have set targets this season focusing on individual progress as well as a collective team perspective.

“These do not relate directly to a league and cup positions but we are aiming to be as successful as we can be.

“Off the field we aim to continue the growth in interest in the club within our community and to ensure as many of the local junior footballers have the opportunity to experience playing at a stadium capable of showcasing any sporting occasion.”

When asked about which team he was looking forward to playing Mackenzie said: “To be involved in Ladies football is a greatly rewarding from many perspectives. Witnessing progress in the development of Workington Reds Ladies brings an obvious pleasure on a personal level.

“To see an improvement in the standard of football year in year out in our league, brings great hope for the future of our game and also appreciation of the hard work off everyone associated with girls and Ladies football.”

Since the interview the FA Cup has been drawn with the club receiving a bye in the First Qualifying Round and will face Penrith AFC Ladies in the Second Qualifying Round.

As can be seen in Mackenzie’s responses results on the pitch are as important as the development of the club as a whole.

He said: “The relationship that has developed between ourselves and Workington Town has been hugely successful and we have benefited from their generosity and inclusive thinking.

“Town have a real desire to use their facilities to support many local community initiatives and we are delighted to be associated with them.”

When asked what he would say if anyone is interested in sponsoring he added: “The success of ambitious grassroots teams like ourselves depends greatly on the support of generous donators.

“We are fortunate in that we have around 30 different groups that have already committed shown their support.

“To add to this we offer the opportunity for organisations or families etc, to become Match Day sponsors.

“This has proven to be a great success and we have seen these groups returning as a result of their satisfaction.

“Anyone wishing to take advantage of a Match Day package should visit our social media sites or a club contact for more details.”

Leaving The Herdwick with his final thoughts Mackenzie commented on the game, thanked volunteers and encouraged people to come along.

He said: “It is without doubt that the interest in Ladies and girls football has grown massively over the passed few years.

“The junior leagues in our community are extremely competitive and participation is increasing yearly.

“Credit should go to the volunteers that are at the heart of this energy.

“We have seen a positive trend in the number of supporters at our games and we would obviously love to see this continues.

“So we would like to ask that readers keep an eye out on our social media sites and take the opportunity to come along to our games to help make a difference and move Ladies football on to the next level.”

At the moment the North West Regional League fixtures are yet to be released but the first Cumbrian derby is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, in the FA Cup Second Qualifying round when they host Penrith AFC.

The team are back in action against Queen of the South Ladies on Sunday, August 6, kickoff at 2pm (14:00).