News

Young Linby footballer Eleanor Brooks is taking on a huge challenge by attempting to climb Ben Nevis to raise money for her football club.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Great Britain. The summit is 1,344 metres (4,406 ft) above sea level. On August 9^th 2008 I am climbing the mountain with my Dad, Uncle and Auntie to raise money for Linby Ladies Football Club. Please sponsor me for this climb. It’s going to be hard so the more I raise the harder I will try!!! THANK YOU. Eleanor .

You can pledge your support via the guest book or see Eleanor at training. We all wish her well!

Linby's club mascot Linbo the bee was at Titchfield park along with some of the players from the under 13s blue promoting the club by handing out flyers. Tuesday March 18th saw a free roller skating rink erected on the park along with various stalls and displays. Big thank you to everyone who helped out on the day.

Sunday March 16th saw the semi-finals of the Women's FA Cup, Arsenal beating Lincoln 5- 1 to secure their place in the final on May 5th at the city ground with their opposition of Leeds united after the beating Everton on penalties. Below is some of the Linby girls photographed at the Arsenal game with Faye White and Kelly Smith. The club have a number of tickets for the final priced at £1 each please see your team manger or club secretary for your ticket.

To secure your place on the tour we require urgently £50 deposit per person so that we can book the accommodation. Deadline is 6th March. Please see you team manager or club secretary. A meeting will be organised very soon to discuss the final arrangements.

Sunday March 2nd saw 3 of Linby's teams in League cup semi-final action. The under 10s played a top quality passing game and secured their place in the final beating Wollaton 3 - 1, they now face Derby County in the final on May 4th. The under 11s were in top form as they dispatched Woodlands 4 - 0 with some excellent play and some top draw finishing, they meet Arnold in the final on May 4th. The under 13's Blue traveled to Southwell and put up a terrific fight and they were commended by their opposition on a terrific game of football. Southwell go through to the finals beating Linby 2 - 1. See fixtures page for full reports 02.03.08.

If you require a ticket for the Womens FA Cup Final on Bank holiday Monday May 5th at the city ground please see your team manager. The price is £1 per ticket - money with order please. We have limited number of tickets and once they have gone they are gone, so don't delay as they are expected to go very quickly.

The under 13s Blue are proud to be wearing the new training tops sponsored by Sunwin. The club would like to thank Sunwin for their very kind donation.

The club and the under 13s yellow would like to thank Beauvale Takeaway for their kind donation by sponsoring the team with new training tops. The under 13s are currently flying high at the top of the table.

Linby's under 11's above have been kindly sponsored with a new football kit from Eastwood based Action Alarms. The team in their 3rd season have won everything going and this season its looking no different. The team have also been successful in obtaining sponsorship from Bennetts Fencing (Waterproof training tops) and to Hels Kitchen, Tibshelf (away kit) the club are very grateful to Action Alarms, Bennett Fencing and Hells Kitchen for their generous sponsorship.

Notts county councilor Mick Murphy has kindly donated £300 to the club to assist them in their continuation of providing competitive football for all girls irrespective of age or ability. The money will go towards new footballs and equipment, the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Councilor Mick Murphy and the Notts County Council for their very kind donation.

The above picture shows Club Chairman Andrew Eastwood receiving a cheque from Notts County Councilor Mick Murphy with some of the Linby girls from their under 9's, 10's and 16's.

Girls from Linby's Under 13s and Under 14s were selected as ball girls for the England U19's friendly match against Belarus at Meadow Lane. It was a great night all round. "The girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience as well as getting close to the action - which turned out to be an impressive display by England winning 4 - 0. "We would like to say a big thank you to Graham Moran at Notts County's Football in the Community for making it happen."

Linby Colliery Welfare Ladies F.C went a step closer to realising their ambitions of producing an England player, when 13 year old Rachael Murray got the call up to attend the England under 15 camp. 30 girls from around the country were selected to attend the week long camp at Reading. Coach Andrew Eastwood commented that he and everyone at the club were delighted for Rachael, she has been at Linby for the past 3 seasons and has scored a number of special goals and has been instrumental in many many more.

From very early on Rachael was identified as a top class footballer who would be capable of full filling her footballing ambitions. Rachael’s first touch and control along with her vision and distribution of the ball has been a real joy over the seasons, but just as important she has a good attitude and is a very nice leveled headed girl. The club and her team mates will miss her this season as Rachael will go on to play full time at the centre of excellence, everyone at Linby wishes Rachael well and we will all be watching her progress with much interest.

Linby now have a number of girls playing centre of excellence football at Lincoln, Forest and at Chesterfield. The club has formed strong links with the Chesterfield centre and are looking to adopt the FA’s 4 corner player development model as well as working closely with the centre’s coaching programme. Chairman Andrew Eastwood is excited about the future as he feels that there are a number of players who are capable of following in Rachael’s foot steps and one day soon we will have a Linby player playing for her country.

Club coaches John Betteridge, Lee Denny and Colin Brooks from Linby have entered the Robin Hood half marathon on September 16th. They are running with all sponsor monies going to the club. John, Lee and Colin have been training for a while, doing circuit training in the gym and running approx 3 times a week covering 6 - 10km. Everyone at the club wishes them well, lets get behind the boys and pledge your sponsorship via the guestbook or email, all monies donated will be matched thanks to Barclays £1 for £1 scheme.

Linby Colliery Welfare Ladies Football Club held their 10^th presentation evening to a sell out crowd of 350 guests at the Festival Hall in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The club looked back and celebrated on their most successful season so far in their 10-year history. The club celebrated the under 9’s becoming league runners up, the under 10’s winning the league cup and Notts FA Shield as well as the league runners up. The Under 11’s celebrated by winning the league championship. The clubs under 13’s, 15’s and seniors winning league sportsmanship and also the Seniors clinched promotion into the East Midlands Womens League. Over 200 trophies were presented by special guest and club patron Peter Shilton, each player received an award as well as giving the club the opportunity to thank the volunteers of the club. The clubs top goal scorer award was presented to the under 10’s player Amber Denny who scored 38 goals. The Peter Shilton goalkeeping award was presented to Katherine Asbury who plays for the under 14’s. The Jubilee Trophy awarded to a player who does that little more than play football went to Eleanor Brooks of the under 11’s. The Millennium Shield was awarded to parent Tara Muir for her help throughout the season. The Chairman’s award went to under 10’s manager Paul Evans whose contribution and support to the club has been outstanding.

Under 10’s Special Awards

Under 11’s Special Awards

Under 13’s Yellow Special Awards

Under 13’s Blue Special Awards

Under 14’s Special Awards

Under 15’s Special Awards

Club Chairman Andrew Eastwood commented that success does not happen by chance or good fortune. It occurs because of the calibre of volunteers that work tirelessly, week in, week out throughout the season. Whether this is in administration, fund raising, media, refereeing, coaching or management, The club are lucky to have people involved who are prepared to go that extra mile to provide a quality place for the girls to play their football. I have been asked if Linby was an academy and been told that Linby is an amateur club which is run professionally. Of course I am very proud, as should everyone else be connected with this club, we continue together to raise the standards both on and off the field. The quality both on and off the field is tremendous, the club have girls playing centre of excellence football and representing their school, county and their league.

The club is forging links with the girls centre of excellence enabling Linby Ladies to become a pathway to excellence club, which will give their players the best opportunity to progress and it’s a real ambition of the club to have a player one day playing for her country. Linby will be running teams at all age groups in the Notts girls and ladies football league as well as a senior side in the East Midlands Womens Football League.

Congratulations to everyone involved, staff and parents for your continued support and, especially the girls who have been magnificent and a credit to this very special club.

Presentation evening photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Sundial Photographic

Saw a number of the Linby girls take up the football skill challenge at Nottingham's market square with a family fun theme and the Radio Trent Black Thunders. The Under 14's and Seniors were involved in one of six Footie Chick regional 5 aside football tournaments. The seniors getting to the semi-finals and putting on a terrific display and going out on a penalty shoot-out. The under 14's were in unstoppable mood as they out played their opposition with some breath taking football. Undefeated scoring 35 goals and conceding only 5 saw them win the tournament and secure a place in the national finals in Manchester on June 16th.

Linby's talented under 10's were looking to do the cup double as earlier in the season they lifted the FA County shield by beating Priory Celtic 3 - 1. Linby were up against unknown opposition as Stapleford Villa play in division 2 and on paper Linby were the favorites. It was to be a real cup final as it was end to end stuff with Linby having more of the ball and creating the best chances only to be denied by outstanding goalkeeping. Linby had chances cleared off the line and shots hitting the woodwork. All square at full time saw the game go into extra time and we had to wait till the second period for Linby's Alice West to finally break the deadlock with a well taken goal, coolly slotting the ball past the keeper. With 3 minutes remaining Linby were now on fire and went on full out attack as Alice made it two and in the last remaining minute Sarah Bill finished off the scoring for a 3-0 win and the team lifted the league cup for the second season in succession.

Womens FA cup final at the city ground between Arsenal and Charlton Ladies was witnessed by a record 24,500 attendance. The game was a great advert for womens football as both teams produced excellent football, Charlton took an early lead but Arsenal fired in 4 goals to complete a remarkable season.

Linby celebrated Christmas with a fancy dress disco on Saturday December 23rd at the Festival Hall. Everyone got into the spirit of things. The winners of the fancy dress was: under 12's - Alice Clarke, Serena Mason and Chloe Newcombe. Under 18's - Alica Walker, Luke Gospel and Aime Bramman. Under 65's - Kathy Wilkins, Mick Bramman and Scott Colley.

High Flying Linby Under 11's had a fun packed day as they were guests of Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The girls had a tour of the ground, lunch at the pitch diner and watched the game. After the match on the way out they were quickly interviewed for the TV "BBC East Midlands today" which was shown on the Monday after.

Some of the older Linby players were invited to attend a FACA in service guest coaching session. The guest coach being Brent Hills, assistant coach of the England Womens team. photos to follow.

Linby football club on Saturday August 19th celebrated it's 60th anniversary . The girl's put on some 5 a-side football in the presence of special guest, Josanne Potter. Jo a local girl currently plays for Charlton Athletic and England, she mixed with the girls and made a number of new friends. The younger girl's were lucky enough to play a game of football with Jo, how many young players can say they have played football with an England player? The club where very appreciative of Jo's time and made a small presentation. Later in the day the men put on a football game with past and present players from the club.

For the first time in the clubs history we have made an application and been accepted into the Womens FA CUP. Our senior team will be playing in the preliminary round on September 10th away to Rushcliffe Eagles who play in the Unison East Midlands North Division 1. Everyone at the club would like to wish the team well. For the full draw please click this link.

Preliminary Round : Sunday 10 September 2006.

First Round Proper : Sunday 29 October 2006
Second Round Proper : Sunday 12 November 2006
Third Round Proper : Sunday 3 December 2006
Fourth Round Proper : Sunday 7 January 2007
Fifth Round Proper ; Sunday 28 January 2007
Sixth Round Proper : Sunday 11 February 2007
Semi Final : Sunday 11 March 2007
Final : to be confirmed

Linby's teams have made their mark on this Summer tournaments as they have picked up silverware where ever they go:

Linby entered 2 teams into the Castle Donnington tournament and both teams met each other in the final. Normal time could not separate the 2 sides, it went down to the lottery of penalties.

The Cotgrave Tournament was an unbelievable day as all Linby teams entered got to their finals. The under 9's collected the winners cup while the under 10's had to settle for the runners up loosing out on penalties to Radcliffe. The Under 11's were undefeated and disposed of league champions Westbridgford. The under 12's only slip up was going behind to Arnold in the semi-final and finding the equaliser in the dying minute. The girls found the golden goal in extra time and won the final to collect silverware. The Under 13's cruised passed their oppositions not conceding a single goal to win the tournament for the third time.

The Ashfiled Tournament saw both the under 9's and 10's in action. The under 9's cruised passed Little Eaton Diamonds and Rolls Royce but had to settle for runners up spot as they conceded a last minute goal to Priory Celtic. The under 10's were undefeated comfortably beating Priory Celtic, Little Eaton Diamonds and beating Rolls Royce 2-1 in the final game to collect the winners trophy from legendary England 1966 world cup player Alan Ball.

Saw all Linby teams entered put up a good display by being competitive against quality teams. Linby Seniors just failed to qualify despite not conceding a goal. The under 13's were playing in the under 14,s league and the Under 12,s having some good results. The under 10,s who keep improving with every game got through to the semi-finals and were beaten by the eventual tournament winners Cambridge.

Enjoyable day saw again Linby's teams entered putting on a fine display. The Under 13's loosing out at the semi-final stage while the under 11's playing at the under 12's age group got through to the final after a nail biting penalty shoot-out. The girls had to settle for a well deserved runners-up spot as they lost out to Leamington Spa F.C. The Under 10's also got to their final after a penalty shoot out at the semi-final stage against Arnold. The final could not separate the two finalists and it went to the lottery of penalties with Netherfield being victorious and Linby collecting the runners up spot. Both Senior teams were in action on the Sunday and just missed out on qualification to the knockout stage by finishing 5th.

A very early morning start last Saturday saw the new Linby Ladies under 11’s rewarded with an excellent pre season tournament win at Brampton Rovers in Chesterfield and signs of a promising season ahead. Right from the first game the girls were a force to be reckoned with and the new players of Jade Sheppard and Elle Croucher fitted perfectly into the squad and scored vital goals that enabled them to progress to the semi finals by winning their group and not losing a single game. Midfield forces of Charlotte Nolan, Amber Denny and Lucy Clay controlled each game and fed strikers Courtney Evans and Emily Keeling with plenty of chances that resulted in some stylish finishing. A change in keeper also allowed Eleanor Brooks a spell up front and a well taken goal while the Linby defence was once again commanded by Captain Ellie Marriott. Their swan song was a near perfect semi final that saw them score six goals, and after a goalless final, the game and silverware was won in extra time with a goal from Jade Sheppard. The team have now played 5 pre season tournaments and never finished less than semi finalists whilst being champions in two of them

In the final summer tournament of 2006 saw Linby's under 10's and 12's bring home the silverware. The under 10's scored 11 goals without reply to win the tournament (see report below) The under 12's left it too the final game and needing to beat Westbridgford. The dying seconds and Linbys last chance came to Kirsty Wilkins on the half way line who hit a thunderous shot which hit the back of the Bridgford net to win the tournament.

In the final tournament of the summer the new U10’s came out on top once again; Linby had a tough start against Little Eaton which resulting in a 0-0 stalemate, but it wasn’t long before Linby got in to there passing stride with a 6-0 thumping over local rivals Rolls Royce; up next where Netherfield but they could not live with our passing game and a comfortable 3-0 win. Radcliffe Olympic posed our biggest threat but Linby matched them in every department; this game was a midfield battle where neither side gave an inch resulting in 0-0 scoreline; new side Vernon Colts entered the fray and put up a good fight but Linby passed the ball around nicely to record a 2-0 victory. After all the games had been completed three teams remained undefeated Little Eaton, Radcliffe and Linby all three teams never conceded a goal but Linby’s firepower saw them score eleven goals six more than there nearest rivals Radcliffe; once again Linby proved that they are the team to beat. Well done to all the girls for another tournament win, Lee and I are very proud of the girl’s achievements this summer; three tournaments entered resulting in two wins and a runner’s up spot. I would also like to take this opportunity in welcoming Jessica back to the club she is a fantastic player and will make a great addition to the team. Paul.

Linby Colliery Welfare Ladies Football Club held their presentation evening to a sell out crowd of 350 guests at the Festival Hall in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The club looked back and celebrated on their most successful season so far. The club celebrated the under 9’s winning the double, the under 11’s winning their league runners-up as well as the under 15’s collecting the league sportsmanship award. 200 trophies were presented, each player received an award as well as giving the club the opportunity to thank the volunteers of the club. The clubs top goal scorer award was presented to the under 11’s player Alice Clarke who scored a record 54 goals. The Peter Shilton goalkeeping award was presented to Laura Allcock who plays for the senior team as well as playing for Chesterfield centre of excellence. The Jubilee Trophy awarded to a player who does that little more than play football went to Kelly Randle of the senior team. The Millennium Shield was awarded to parent Mark McKay for his help throughout the season. The Chairman’s award went to under 10’s manager Colin Brooks whose contribution and support to the club has been outstanding.

Under 9’s Special Awards

Under 10’s Special Awards

Under 11’s Special Awards

Under 12’s Special Awards

Under 13’s Special Awards

Under 14’s Special Awards

Under 15’s Special Awards

Club Chairman, Andrew Eastwood remarked that with all this success on the pitch it is also very pleasing to see more and more girls coming to the club. They are obviously enjoying their time and for that I thank the team managers and coaches for working so hard to include as many girls in their training and making it interesting and fun. This club is very well respected within the footballing fraternity and I like to think that we are at the forefront of girls football. The long term athlete development programme and the SAQ training that the club has undertaken is already showing the benefits. We will continue to raise the standards with the Charter Standard accreditation being something that we are very proud of and also our links with the girls centre of excellence. To compliment the success that the club is having, the out of date facilities at their Church Lane ground are under review. The dilapidated wooden club house and porta-cabin changing rooms have seen better days. Along with the support of the football foundation plans are underway to replace the existing facilities with a purpose brick built building with 4 changing rooms, toilets and meeting room. The club are currently seeking sponsorship and support to raise the funds to make their plans reality.

Congratulations to Linby's under 15's who won their league sportsmanship award, they can also take heart from knowing that they finished 4th and are the top Nottinghamshire team in their league. Congratulations also go to Linby's under 11's who came runners up in a very strong league. What a season the under 9's have had, not only winning their league but also clinching the double as they beat Pegasus 2-1 in the league knock out cup competition. The final was held at Calverton Miners Welfare, Linby took the lead in the first period from an excellent solo effort from Amber Denny. Linby increased their lead in the second period from an excellent finish from Amber. Player of the match was awarded to defender Ellie Betteridge who was outstanding. The Pegasus keeper was also having a storming game as she made save after save. In the last remaining 5 minutes Pegasus was awarded a consolation goal. For the full match report see the fixtures page.

Linby's under 9's can look back on a terrific season winning the league championship scoring 77 league goals and conceding only 5. Well done to each and everyone of you and congratulations to Carol, Paul and Gary on a successful and most enjoyable season.

Linby pocket the money thanks to the efforts of the staff at Hucknall's branch of Barclays bank. Joanne Betteridge, Angela Shaw and Janet Wilson ran a stall on Hucknall's flea market, selling everything from bric-a-brac to childrens toys and clothes, and raised £101. Thanks to Barclays pound for pound charity scheme the money was doubled and a cheque was presented to the club for £202. The money is to go into the clubs development fund towards the plans to redevelop the Church Lane ground. Everyone at Linby Ladies F.C would like to thank Joanne and the staff at Barclays for their efforts and the very kind donation.

UEFA 2006 Women’s U19 European Championship
Qualifying Round One
Pirelli Stadium, Burton Albion
1 October 2005
Two early goals by Dani Bird set England up for a comfortable victory that ended a hugely satisfying Euro tournament for Mo Marley’s youngsters. With a 100 per cent record from their three games, 17 goals scored and none conceded, it was mission accomplished. To make their week in the Midlands even more memorable, England twice set new attendance records for women’s U19 matches in this country. The highest ever crowd of 1,250 at Burton’s Pirelli Stadium on Saturday meant that almost 3,000 fans watched the three England games at the four-nation tournament. “The girls loved playing in front of big and enthusiastic crowds,” said U19 Coach Marley, “and it was great to see such an interest from people in the Midlands.” The result meant that England qualified for the second qualifying round as clear winners of the group, with Scotland also going through as runners-up. Linby organised a coach trip to the England, Scotland game and the girls were lucky enough to be sitting with the England Womens first team. Names like Rachel Unitt, Karen Carney etc who obliged in signing autographs and posing for photos. Pictured below is 2 of the Linby U13 girls with England's Karen Carney.

Linby collected 4 awards with Karen Walker winning an FA Volunteer Workforce award, Carol Eastwood receiving a workforce nomination. Andrew Eastwood collecting the Nottinghamshire FA Charter Standard Coach of the year and Katie King winning the overall Nottinghamshire FA Young Leader award. Our friends at Hucknall Sports won the Charter Standard Development Club award.

Proud Linby involved at the Lane

There were some proud local footballers involved at England v Belarus international at Meadow Lane

Under 10’s Special Awards

Under 11’s Special Awards

Under 13’s Yellow Special Awards

Under 13’s Blue Special Awards

Under 14’s Special Awards

Under 15’s Special Awards

Under 9’s Special Awards

Under 10’s Special Awards

Under 11’s Special Awards

Under 12’s Special Awards

Under 13’s Special Awards

Under 14’s Special Awards

Under 15’s Special Awards