Today is International Women’s Day and United’s Ladies team are marking the annual campaign with a number of initiatives across this weekend.
The celebrations got underway a day early last night as the Lady Cumbrians welcomed female members of staff from primary sponsors, Bendles LLP Solicitors, to their training session to experience how United Ladies prepare for their games and enjoy an informal kick-about.
Tomorrow, just days after England Women’s triumph at the SheBelieves Cup in the USA, two teams of the next generation’s players will take to the pitch at Brunton Park at half time in United’s game against Swindon Town. Border City girls under-8s and Gillford Park girls under-8s will both play on mini-pitches with members of the United Ladies team there to support them.
Both teams have positive ties to United’s Ladies with Gillford Park JFC having been a player sponsor and supporter for a number of seasons whilst Border City’s players took inspiration from United earlier this season by attending a fixture at Creighton as the Blues earned a 1-1 draw against fellow Division One North challengers Bury FC Women.
To conclude the weekend it’s over to the United Ladies squad as they aim for a place in the last four of the North West Argyle Sports Kit Plate. The Lady Cumbrians will travel to take on Stockport County Ladies Blues in the Quarter-Finals of the competition having defeated Didsbury FC Ladies 5-0 in the last round. The game kicks-off at 2pm at Stockport Sports Village on Sunday.
The weekend is an opportunity for United Ladies to thank all those within the blues community who give the team such fantastic support. Local legal firm Bendles LLP Solicitors are into their fourth season as primary sponsors of the Lady Cumbrians, a partnership which continues to go from strength-to-strength and bring benefits for both sides.
Eileen Longcake, Practice Manager of Bendles LLP Solicitors, was one of those who took the opportunity to train alongside United on Thursday evening and enjoyed the experience: “It was fantastic to have a training session with the Carlisle United Ladies team. I know first-hand how hard the ladies train as my daughter Imogen was part of the squad before she attended University.
“This continued hard work has clearly paid off and reflected in the ladies performance and match results. Bendles Solicitors are proud to sponsor such a hard working team and having some of our staff join in with the mid-week training session was a fantastic way to celebrate International Women’s Day. We wish the team well in their match on Sunday.”
The Blues are enjoying another successful season, currently sitting third in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One North table, four points from the summit with six games remaining. Last weekend saw United record their tenth league win of the campaign as goals from Kerri Mallinson, Chelsie Browbank and Rachel Deer secured a 3-0 result at Penwortham Town Ladies.
United Ladies Manager, Tracy Gannon, took the opportunity of the weekend’s events to thank Blues fans for their continued fantastic support: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity for us to champion those who support us and say a resounding thank you. We’re extremely grateful for all those across the Carlisle United community who support women’s football at the club whether it be through sponsorship, vocal support at games or just keeping up with our results on social media.
“It was fantastic to be able to welcome the ladies from our primary sponsors, Bendles Solicitors, to our training session last night and give them an insight into the effort players put in before each game, many of whom after a long day at work, as well as enjoying a kick-about. I’m really looking forward to welcoming Gillford Park and Border City’s girls teams along to Brunton Park tomorrow and hope they all have a fabulous day.”
Next weekend sees United Ladies open their defence of the Cumberland FA Women’s County Cup with a Semi-Final tie against Workington Reds Ladies. The game will kick-off at 2pm at Creighton Rugby Club with entry free and all Blues fans welcome to attend.
Don’t forget you can keep right up to date with all the latest news and results from the Lady Cumbrians by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - @cufcladies.
If you would like more information on sponsorship opportunities with United Ladies ahead of the new season please email tracy.gannon@carlisleunited.co.uk to request a copy of the team’s Commercial Brochure.