At the end of 2008, Dave Shepherd, in time assisted by Darryl Cartwright, began training sessions for girls at Lostock Hall High School.

As the Winter approached, the attendance became less and the sessions were put on the 'back burner' for a while.

At the start of 2009, it was decided to resurrect the team, as some girls were returning and showing enthusiasm. Mark O'Mahoney volunteered to take the girls training and together with the committee, traced and applied to local girls leagues.

With no team to manage at the time, Darryl Cartwright helped out as an assistant. The first league that the team applied to join did not have enough teams in the age group (under 13s), so with not long to the start of the season, the committee raced around other leagues trying to find space.

Lostock Hall (Juniors) FC successfully joined the West Lancashire Girls Football League just in time for the 2009/10 season.

The girls new home and away kits were very kindly purchased and sponsored by Carr Manor Nursery, in Higher Walton. Our thanks go to Mark, the owner of the two nurseries for providing the teams kit!

Unfortunately, prior to the season commencing, Mark stood down as manager, due to his commitments to other teams within the club.
Darryl then by default (and choice) became the new manager.

A couple of friendlies were played before the start of the season, this helped the girls to see and learn different skills required for the season ahead, as well as finding a position suited to them.

Steve Baynes and Gary Crook joined Darryl in managing the team, as there is a lot more to do than turning up on a match day.

One problem was that the team had been set up to play 11v11, but the new league played 9v9. Therefore 3-4 girls had to be dropped for each game - something Darryl hated doing, but got around it by natural wastage (if they had a party, sleepover, day out etc).

But as the season progressed, some of the girls left the team for other hobbies/interests, or because it wasn't for them. This left the team short of substitutes for most games and one game had to be thrown due to the lack of players available!

This all seems very down, but at training, the girls were their usual joyful selves (yes, I did mean loud and boisterous) LOL!

In matches, they performed brilliantly! they kept their heads held high, even with big defeats. They continued to learn and develop. Over time, the club, parents, opposition and they themselves could see the massive amount of progress that they had made!

For a first season, both as a team and in a league, against many setbacks and opposition that have been together for several years, some of whom are also academies, these girls can hold their heads up high and be very proud of what they have achieved!!

They have gelled together, worked hard, showed their commitment, passion and most importantly, brought fun and enjoyment to the beautiful game!

The season ended with the girls being voted winners of the West Lancs Girls u13's Fair Play Award! This award was voted on by fellow teams in the u13's league and we are all very pleased that our girls have won the award.

I (Darryl), speaking on behalf of the management of the girls team, wish those that have left the team, every success in what they pursue. But I want to say to those that have remained, or joined the team since its initial set up, congratulations! Well done! We, as managers associated with LHJFC, hold our heads up high in the club, the local area and the league and say, that we are proud of each and every one of you and what you as a team have accomplished in your first season together!

Here's to next season and beyond! :-)