Welcome to Tier 4 Sheffield FC Women

Photography by Alex Roebuck

Following relegation from the FAWNL in the 23/24 campaign by just one point, Sheffield FC Women have secured the league title and with it, an instant return to Tier 4. Their last season in the National League saw them finish in 11th place and they will be coming into the 25/26 campaign with a point to prove.

League form

Their stellar league form saw Sheffield secure the league title with a comfortable gap of 6 points between them and 2nd place. Across 16 league games, they secured 12 victories, 3 draws and only suffered one defeat. Even more impressively, their home form has been truly excellent and they can now boast an impressive unbeaten league record at home games. This enviable record can be partly attributed to their defensive prowess which has only seen them concede 9 league goals across the entire season.

As they march back into the FAWNL on their first attempt, Sheffield can take much confidence from this league campaign and set their sights on a respectable finish next season.

Standout players

Their instant promotion back into Tier 4 has illustrated how many of their players are clearly of national league calibre. One such player is their prolific forward Stacey Buxton. Having secured the accolade of top goalscorer following an impressive tally of 15 goals across 18 appearances, she will be confident that she can bring this eye for goal into Tier 4. Not just a goalscorer, her overall dominant performances have seen her be recognised with 2 player of the match awards.

Much of their success this season can be attributed to how well they have defended and goalkeeper Leah Kellogg has played a key role. A true sporting all rounder, Kellogg not only plays in goal for Sheffield, she also plays cricket at a high level having played for Derbyshire as a bowler. Playing both sports at a high level has sharpened her reactions and made her into the highly talented keeper that we see today.

Another performer has been the side’s captain and midfield maestro Nicole Kemp. Having made 20 appearances for the side this season, she has inserted herself as a key player both on and off the pitch. Both her excellent leadership qualities and her standout performances in the middle of the park have seen her rewarded with 3 player of the match awards this season.

Cup form

As well as performing in the league, Sheffield FC have also shone in numerous cup competitions across the season. They managed the league and cup double after lifting the league cup trophy in a nail biting final against Rotherham United Women which saw Sheffield come out on top with a 2-0 victory. Their route to the final saw sheffield dominate with them thrashing Nottingham Trent University FC Women 4-0 in the first round. They also picked up solid victories against River City Women FC and Grimsby Town Academy FC Women to book their spot in the final.

Despite their league cup victory, they had also had success in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup only suffering defeat in the 2nd round proper. A solid performance in the 3rd qualifying round saw them secure a 3-2 victory and rewarded them with a fixture against Penrith AFC ladies. After securing a 2-1 victory, they were pitted against Shrewsbury Town Women FC where they unfortunately bowed on penalties.

Big signings

Midway through the season, the world’s first football club showed their ambitious intentions through completing the signing of Katie McLoughlin. Joining the club, she brought a host of experience with her as she looked to brighten up the side. Having previously played for Nottingham Forest with manager Graham Abercrombie, she is a player to keep an eye on next season.

As they prepare to make their mark on Tier 4 again, Sheffield are not just focussing on recruiting players. They have recently secured the signature of former Chesterfield Women manager Andrea Parkinson. The UEFA B licence coach returns to Sheffield full of excitement to coach at the National League level.

Club as a whole

Affiliated with their men’s side, Sheffield FC is a side which can claim the accolade of being the world’s first football club as recognised by FIFA. There are clear signs however that the club is prioritising their female section however and their kit has a female cut ensuring that players can perform to the highest level with kit that fits them correctly. Another nice touch is the gold trim on their kit which can now celebrate their double winning 24/25 league campaign.