Three years ago it was a real coup for the Ladies to capture the signing of Nicola Martin. With a career that had included service at many top division clubs including Dundee Utd, Hibs, Cumbernauld & Newburgh and full International honours, it was somewhat of a surprise that Swifts managed to tempt Nicola out of retirement.

She explained “I’d hung my boots up in 2006 and was concentrating on my daughter Lucy but was also still playing and coaching Netball. I made the mistake of listening to Crystal who was playing for the Ladies as well as Perth & Kinross Netball, and before I knew it I had agreed to pop along and “help them out on Sunday”. I was told I would probably not be needed but a quick handshake and hello from Grossi and before I knew it I was on “ ! The rest as they say is history as Nicola got upto speed incredibly quickly and picked up Players Player of the Year and was instrumental in leading the side to promotion in her first year back.

“I’ve really enjoyed the last two years. Promotion was quite an achievement in itself but this year the girls have done really well to not only survive but hold their own and put in some promising performances. The thing about this club is it grows on you. Everyone is positive and together and it is infectious. There is real ambition at the club but it is still very grounded and driven purely by the desire to improve in every aspect. This whole culture has also got me hooked and that is how the Soccer School has come about”.

Head Coach Donna Shaw explained “with numbers growing we found ourselves with a great pool of players at Under 11s and below. However the great work that Paula and Tracey and Claire before them had done, was also creating new challenges. We simply couldn’t properly accommodate the numbers and especially as the age group range was so large. As Nicola knew a few of the parents and was wanting to assist the club she took the youngest group, the beginners, and has been providing a session for them every Thursday. It now means we have our own Soccer School for any girls under the age of 10. This is fantastic as it strengthens our Pathway and we are now providing local girls’ football from as young as 5 ! And for these girls to be getting coached by someone of Nicola’s calibre and reputation is just perfect. Even though we were fast approaching the end of the season the response has been brilliant and Nicola must be impressing as numbers are now well into double figures.

As it is a new venture we are looking for sponsors to assist with equipment and kit for the girls. Nicola suggested “it would be fantastic is someone could offer us help in providing these young girls with some kit to show they belong and me with some basic equipment to help teach them their skills”.

Any local businesses who are able to help in any way, or any players wanting to join the Nicola Martin Jeanfield Soccer School can contact her on 07834 863957 or manager Iwan Davies on 07940 731668.