Women’s team celebrate successes and announce new Head Coach

June 11th, 2016

Claire Cochrane Offensive MVP with Coach Alan Young

The East Kilbride Pirates women’s team celebrated the completion of their first ever kitted football Sapphire Series season and announced award winners and a new head coach at a dinner in Glasgow on Friday evening. The winners were:

Most Improved Player – Amy Oliver
Sapphire Offensive MVP – Claire Cochrane
Sapphire Defensive MVP – Angela Wilson
Coaches’ MVP – Claire Cochrane

New women’s team head coach appointed
As Head Coach Tom Lachendro is leaving Scotland shortly to take on a coaching appointment in US, the dinner was also an opportunity to share the news that offensive coordinator Alan Young will take on the role going forward.

Alan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from over 16 years in the sport, and was recently appointed men’s GB flag head coach.

Angela Wilson, Defensive MVP with Coach David McInally

“We wish Tom every success in his coaching endeavours in the US.” said Club Chairman Amanda McDonald. “He may be leaving our organisation, but he’ll always hold a special place in Pirates history as the founder of our women’s team. EKPW wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for his drive and determination to get it off the ground and make it a success.  He leaves the women’s team in a great place and in a safe pair of hands with Alan.”

Diamond series selections
The evening also saw nine of our women’s team players find out that they’ve been selected for BAFA’s Diamond Series Northern Blizzard 11-a-side team.

Nearly 200 registered hopefuls trialled in the North (Teesside) and South (Northampton) for an opportunity to be selected. The regional teams will play each other over three games during June and July to determine a Diamond Series champion.

Successful Diamond candidates are also eligible to chosen for the performance group that forms the basis of selection for the Great Britain women’s team, and the opportunity to compete in an international friendly against Spain in September in London.

Claire Cochrane MVP with Head Coach Tom Lachendro

Congratulations to Lindsey Robson, Gill McNicoll, Aimee Wilson, Amy Oliver, Vivienne Main, Angela Wilson, Heather McGowan, Claire Cochrane and Nicole Smith who all received call ups.

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