Our Hannah's Been Having A Kick-About

Published 23rd Sep 2015

As our region's football teams get their seasons well underway, TFM gained exclusive access to go behind the scenes with the newest women's team on the block.

Hartlepool United's new ladies side were formed earlier this month, and will compete in this season's Durham County Women's League Division One.

The Pools linked up with Seaton Carew Ladies to form the team, who train and play at Hartlepool Power Station.

They're off to a great start as they beat Redcar Town Ladies 2-1 on Sunday in an FA Cup clash.

It was at Hartlepool Power Station where coach Andy Stuart put TFM reporter Hannah Smith through her paces with a training session to remember.

Before training, coach Andy spoke proudly of the work the girls have done during his three years in charge at Seaton, and the progress they hope to make under Hartlepool.

He said:

"I've seen the girls improving, increasing speed, power and technical ability is fantastic.

When you think a footballer has to be at the top of their game for 8 or 9 months, so they've got to peak every week.

The teams are getting so big, so this has been a bit of a blessing, we're opening different doorways with new facilities so we can accommodate more girls."

And being under a new club has kick-started action within the team, players say now they want to fight for a place in that starting line-up.

New signing Katie says:

"All the girls are turning up and you're not just getting your basic training, you are getting the full team.

Everyone is fighting for their places now because it is a big thing being Hartlepool, so there's more competition."

Hannah was put through ball training and some resistance training before giving up - but coach Andy said she might have a future.

He said:

"A little bit of work to do but we look forward to seeing you next season - first game is August."

You can follow the team's progress on their Facebook page .