YOUNG Lionesses are benefiting from ‘dedication, teamwork, and belief’ at a Rugby football academy for girls.
The Rugby Town Girls’ Academy is giving talented players across the Midlands a pathway to develop, compete, and dream big.
Still in its early days, the academy is already a fully-fledged programme led by qualified coach Liam O’Neill.
He said: “This has been coming for a long time.
“Every school visit, more and more girls wanted in – but there was nothing for them to join. That’s changed now. And it had to.”
With Rugby Town Academy boys’ team already a proven success story – Liam’s previous squad made it to both the FA Youth Cup third round and the National League finals – this is a new challenge, but one he’s embracing wholeheartedly.
“There’ll be tough matches,” he said. “They’ll go up against stronger, more experienced teams. But that’s how you learn. That’s how you get better. We’re building something that will last.”
For the 17 girls who have joined from across Warwickshire, Birmingham, Leicester and Coventry, the chance to train seriously and compete at a high level is already a win.
Liam aims to grow the intake to 25 a year, supported by the same coaching structure and professionalism offered by the boys’ programme.
He said: “These girls aren’t here because they’re girls. They’re here because they can play. I treat them the same way I treat any footballer – with respect, with structure and with expectations.”
Liam holds the PFA UEFA A Licence – the highest coaching qualification in world football – and plans to bring in a UEFA licensed female coach to support the group as it grows.
He also hopes to introduce joint sessions with the boys’ squad to build skills, share ideas and inspire both sides to make it to the very top.
“I want to be the first in this area to help get a girl into the professional leagues,” he said. “If a tiny percentage of boys make it, why can’t girls? We’ve got the talent. Now we’ve got the platform.”
“Whether we succeed or not – we tried. That’s the bit I care about. They’re out there, they’re competing and they’ve got a shot. That’s what matters.”
Club sponsor Stanair Industrial Doors has supported the academy since 2018, backing both the boys’ and girls’ sides.
Managing Director William Smith said: “This is an inspiring story of dedication, teamwork, and belief and one that we’re thrilled to be part of.
“Liam’s energy is incredible and we’ve seen first-hand how much he cares about every player. It’s not about headlines – it’s about hard work and opportunity.”
Sales Manager Simon Barnicoat added: “What they’ve built is something special and launching the girls’ team feels like the next big step. You can feel the buzz around it already.”
