New coach aims to improve on last year’s treble success

After a treble-winning season the University’s women’s football team have a new coach to help them reach greater heights.

James Mountain, who has previously coached football in America and Botswana, will take the helm for the new season, which kicks-off in September.

He is hoping to build on the success of the women’s football team who last season won the BUCS league and Northern Conference Cup and finished top of their Sunday league.

They have now been promoted to the North East Women's Football League, only four levels below the National Premier Division.

James, 26, who is from Northallerton, said: ‘The girls did have a great year last year but they are going to have to step it up again.

‘I would like to be in the women's game in the future, it's very much up and coming, and this role is the perfect opportunity.

‘It's fantastic to be able to work with this group of girls.’

Fantastic to come to a set up like Teesside After his experiences coaching in America and Botswana, James said he is delighted to be working at Teesside with a huge selection of facilities and resources at his fingertips.

He added: ‘They were great times, especially in Botswana when we were helping the footballers on a pathway to the national team, but it's fantastic to come in to a set up like this.

‘We have strength and conditioning coaches and nutrition teams here, things we didn't have in America - that can make a big difference.’

Nat Broom, the University’s Sports Development Officer, added: ‘With a new coach appointed and a fresh outlook on the team, we are hoping to go far this season.

‘It's a considerable step up in performance terms but with the experience of James and his past success rate, we are hoping to finish in the top five in the division as a bare minimum.

‘The squad is looking forward to the challenge and are hoping to maintain the high standards achieved last season.’

Staff invited to join in training Female staff of all levels are being invited to train with the squad, either for fitness purposes or to be available for selection for the Sunday league team.

Training takes place on Mondays and Thursdays, from 6.30pm–8.30pm, in the Olympia building. For more information email j.mountain@tees.ac.uk.

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