Manager hails girls pathway as 16-year-old makes first team debut

The first player to graduate from the Warrington Town girls pathway earned Player of the Match on her first team debut.

Kitty Callaghan, aged 16, was part of the Women’s side that won 2-1 against Manchester Laces.

Kitty plays for the Yellows’ Under 16s team, and has previously played junior football at Crosfields and Cromwell, as well as being part of the Cheshire County squad.

She is a regular captain for her school team and has been recognised multiple times as Great Sankey Girls’ Footballer of the Year.

Warrington Town Women’s manager Sophie McDonald said: “The introduction of our Under 16s team has been a brilliant addition to our new pathway.

"The team is littered with talent from all over Warrington and it’s clear to see the huge shift in girls grassroots football, be it popularity and opportunities to play the game we all love.

“I have had the pleasure of watching the Under 16s team on a few occasions and was hugely impressed with the quality that runs through the team.

"A big part of that is the fantastic coaches we have on board, and the committed parents whose unwavering support is clear to see.

“Kitty has been on our radar for a while now, not only has she been a standout player for the Lionesses, she has been praised for her brilliant performances in her school and county teams.

“We invited the lionesses down to a few of our training sessions to give our first team a chance to look at the quality of the girls feeding through. These sessions proved successful, and there is a real buzz around both teams at what the future holds for the Yellows.

“Kitty’s ability is there for all to see, but what impressed us the most is how she plays with maturity beyond her years, a brilliant attribute which we knew would help her stepping into open age.

“Two days after Kitty’s 16th birthday, she was selected into the starting 11 for the women’s first team, making her debut against a strong, physical Manchester Laces who had previously held us to a draw on our last meet.

"The impact Kitty had on the pitch was huge, providing us with a new threat in the attack. Her tireless defensive attributes, winning the ball back time and time again, has seen her deservingly pick up Player of the Match.

“We can’t wait to see what the season holds as we look to carry on from our brilliant performance at the weekend.”

The Girls’ Under 16s team was introduced earlier this year as part of the club’s development plans.

Subject to facilities, the plan is to introduce further pathway teams at lower age groups.

This will complement the existing men’s pathway, which has development squads at Under 14s, 16s, 18s and 21s.

Head of girls football, Kev Larkin, added: “Kitty is a great example of what we want to do with the pathway. Last week was especially exciting, Tuesday I saw her playing for her school vs St Greg's, then on Sunday she's playing for the first team and coming away with the Player of the Match award.

“At the start of the season, I don't think we were expecting it to happen so soon, but it shows the girls will get an opportunity if they are good enough.

“Sophie and John have a good relationship. The Under 16s have had opportunities to come and train with the first team a couple of times already, so hopefully if/when they get the opportunity, they will be ready to take it.

“The Under 16s are a talented side, and hopefully Kitty is the first of many to make the jump up.”

The Girls Under 16s Lionesses side play their home games at Tetley Walker’s Sports Club, and have already progressed through two rounds of the County Cup this season.

They won 6-1 at Sandbach United and 5-1 at home to Runcorn Linnets in their two most recent league games.

This weekend, they welcome Sandbach United for a cup game, before a trip to Crewe in the league on October 25.

They compete in the Cheshire Girls Football League. The Warrington Town Women’s side play in the North West Women’s Regional League, the sixth level of the women’s football pyramid.