Whitehaven Amateur Ladies: Former Penrith AFC Ladies manager joins Ladies First Team

As the season comes towards its conclusion Whitehaven Amateurs Ladies have announced former Penrith AFC Ladies Manager Jamie Fitzwilliams is joining them.

The former Whitehaven Amateur Assistant Coach will join for the remainder of this season.

Jamie left to take on a new challenge as the Penrith Ladies First Team Manager over 3 years ago where he oversaw a successful period with the club making the Adobe Women’s FA Cup First Round proper twice in three years.

Jamie Fitzwilliams and Rob Campbell – Whitehaven Amateur FC

The East Cumbrian outfit also secured a fifth, third and Runners Up position in the Women’s North West Women’s League (Tier 6).

Jamie also guided his team to a Cumberland FA County Cup triumph in 2024, while Whitehaven returned to the final this season losing to Penrith.

Jamie will now come into the Ladies First Team to work alongside First Team Manager Rob Campbell.

The ladies Team has had a rebuild over last summer and the 25/26 campaign as it progressed, with Rob Campbell moving to the First Team from the Ladies “A” Team and building a new squad which has grown in strength and momentum as the season has gone on, securing their first Cumberland FA County Cup Final in 15yrs, winning a first round game in the FA Cup and narrowing losing in the second round.

First Team Manager Rob Campbell was delighted to bring Jamie in saying: “I’ve known Jamie for many years, through the youth at Whitehaven but also on many projects at the club and we always stayed in touch when he left and discussed football.

“I think he coaches similar to myself which in his first few weeks back home at the club, it’s felt seamless really.

“We both understand each other and that means we can bounce off each other in training and that transmits to the players.

“I also think it’s a real sign of intent from us as a club that Jamie has decided to join us, and he sees the project and potential this club and these amazing ladies have, and I have no doubt his expertise and support will give us further fuel to push forward with our plans.”

Jamie comes in at a pivotal moment in the longer term plan for the senior set up as the club moves from rebuild to strengthening and looking forward to progressing to Regional Level Football.

Jamie has now been involved with the ladies for a few weeks, getting to know the players not only in the First Team but also our talented “A” Team and he was really pleased to be back at the club and excited about the future.

He said: “I am pleased to have joined Whitehaven AFC Ladies.

“Having been with the team for three weeks, it is evident that we possess a talented young squad with a strong desire for development.

“The squad receives comprehensive support from Whitehaven Amateurs Football Club, which fosters an exceptionally positive environment for these young players.

“I am eager to contribute to the individual and collective development of the squad as we strive towards achieving regional-level football.”

The Ladies Team will be running some open training sessions for interested talented footballers in the county to join the team during the summer and next season for both our First Team and “A” Teams, as they look to strengthen from our award winning Player Pathway alongside the best talent to fit our club DNA and culture.

If you are 15yrs old and will be 16yrs or above from September 1, 2026, then contact Rob Campbell on 07423133120 for a informal chat and details on our sessions.