NEWS | Coach Ryan Hartle’s rallying cry to fans ahead of season opener, with promise of exciting football

ROTHERHAM United Women go into the new league season this weekend hoping to harness the spirit of the Lionesses – and see plenty more fans at their matches.

Pete Jarvis’s side kick off their league campaign on Sunday at home to Grimsby Town at Roundwood in Rawmarsh, also home of Parkgate FC.

Captain Lori-Anne Tart (below) said she was disappointed after the Lionesses fell just short of World Cup glory – but their legacy would be an inspiration to football young girls.

“We didn’t have any women players to look up to – my idols playing football were men because we didn’t see women,” she said.

“For them to make it to a final is absolutely incredible and will inspire young girls.”

Lori-Anne said she hoped the Lionesses’ successes Down Under had helped raise interest in women’s football, and the club has already received inquiries from fans interested in attending games.

The skipper said it would be great to see a boost in her own side’s attendances over the coming season, starting with the Grimsby game at 2pm on Sunday.

The Millers were and edged out 3-2 in their final pre-season game at Barnsley FC Ladies last Sunday but hopes are high of a strong showing when the serious business gets underway.

The free-scoring female Millers, who have scored 16 goals in their five pre-season friendlies, have a packed programme of league and cup fixtures ahead, with a trip to Chesterfield to follow next Sunday.

First-team coach Ryan Hartle (pictured above) said his side would treat newly-promoted Grimsby with the same respect as any side.

“We treat every opposition the same and every fixture the same and with the aim of getting three points,” he said.

“I am excited to start the season, as all the coaches are, because we’re doing something different this season – we’ve become a real possession-based side and all the players have bought into it.”

Hartle urged fans to come down to Roundwood and show their support, adding: “It’s a local side with all local players playing good-looking football.

“It’s not direct football but possession-based football like you’ve seen in the Women’s World Cup in the WSL, so it’s exciting.”

Admission for all the club’s home games is £3 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for under-16s.

Season tickets allowing admission to all games can also be purchased at home matches.

If you’re interested in playing football with Rotherham United, there are a number of options available.

Rotherham United Community Trust runs sessions for boys and girls, including dedicated sessions for girls across different age groups ranging from toddlers to teenagers.

Visit https://www.rucst.co.uk/girls-football-2/ or https://www.rucst.co.uk/sport-participation/ffr/ for more information.