This might seem a bit late in the day to some supporters of Leeds Ladies Football Team but with all of the uncertainty over the future of the club I have left my comment on last season until I had a better view of the future. I would never compromise any potential deal involving the club. However, I would like to share the following aout my experiences last season.

Many of you will know, I have been a physiotherapist in professional football for a long time, working for both Leeds United FC and Bolton Wanderers FC in the men’s game. I have mainly been involved with academy players and reserve teams at those clubs and have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement. In my time at Leeds United FC I have witnessed the highs and the not-so-highs of professional football – as a fervent supporter of Leeds United FC I don’t recognise ‘lows’ – it is always a privilege to be involved with such a big club.

My involvement with Academy Football has taken me to Iceland, winning the Rey Cup with Bolton Wanderers, and to Belgium with Under 17s and Under 10 teams from Leeds United Academy. I have had many exciting experiences in the FA Youth Cup, including a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Highbury with Leeds United’s youth team.

However, I have to say that the last season working with Leeds Ladies FC has been one of the brightest highlights in my career to date. Yes, the success in the Women’s Premier League Cup Final was fantastic, but it is only one memory in a season full of good times. The commitment and team spirit among the players has been fantastic, the effort incomparable. I am convinced that, if that team was allowed to stay together competing at the highest level of the Women’s game, in two years time there would not be a team to touch them anywhere. With an average age of just 19.6 and their willingness to learn and build on their achievements, the team’s destiny seemed certain.

Under the management of the vastly experienced and hugely influential Rick Passmoor, the team has gone from strength to strength. Few will have glimpsed how it all works behind the scenes, but having worked with Rick, Colin (the Gov’nor) Walker, and Burge, I have a deeper understanding of how the game works on lots of levels. Discussion at our second home,Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead, have enhanced my knowledge of football immensely.

Every player in the team has made a lasting impression on me and I have learned such a lot from their attitudes and positivity. I would single out the achievements of Sophie Walton, Player’s Player of the Year, Carly Telford, a goalkeeper with the athleticism and ability to be England’s number 1, Jade Moore, a tenacious midfielder who is an asset to any team, and Sophie Bradley, a young central defender with her best games still to come. But to be honest there was quality in every position, and room for more on the bench. I hope that Rachel Daly continues to develop and achieve her potential – a full England shirt is a definite! Gemma Bonner is another young player with a bright future. I could go on and on and on and on.

Supporting Leeds Ladies must seem easy given what I have just said, but how many teams have a set of supporters who offer their services free of charge to work on a sodden away pitch to ensure a game goes ahead (Watford), or travel to games home and away, week in, week out. Let’s not forget that some of them (Mr & Mrs White) travel a 400 mile round trip to HOME games! Many parents love to see their offspring take part in sport, but the commitment of Sue and Steve Walton has been far above that normally expected. And even those without family playing have been there to offer support – David Leach in particular has made sacrifices for the club recognised by an award at the annual dinner. If I have missed anyone out here I apologise but I have appreciated the commitment made by all of our regular supporters.

On that note, and despite our constant team bus banter, I would like to mention the tireless work of Gary Taylor for his constant striving to promote the club in live web feeds, twitter, and loads of other media stuff that I don’t pretend to understand. The FA Media Awards over the last couple of years are scant reward for all of his efforts.

While the future of the club is still uncertain, I can honestly say that whatever happens, I have my memories of a fantastic couple of seasons. No one can take away those memories of treasured times.

I would like to end by wishing every player the best of luck for next season – wherever they play their football. My hope is that one day we can all come back together and realise the dreams of everyone at Leeds Ladies Football Club. You all deserve the very best of opportunities in football and if I can ever be a help to any player, parent or club official I would be honoured to play my part.