With the exciting news of the growth of the women’s game at Pontefract Collieries, and the entry of a team into the West Riding Division Four. We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Head Coach Jordan Makin and his Assistant Manager Russ Cotton who will lead the team going forward.
Both men come into the role with vast experience in the women’s game, Jordan has coached at Altofts Ladies and with Barnsley FC Ladies who have well established teams and his experiences there will put him in good stead leading this new team. His assistant Russ accompanied Jordan at both clubs and they share aspirations to emulate the success they had in developing both teams, here at Pontefract.
We caught up with both to chat about their roles and their goals for this new side;
Welcome to the football club, tell us about the opportunity that you have taken up and how pleased you are to be part of these exciting times for ladies football at Pontefract Collieries?
Jordan – “I am absolutely delighted to get this opportunity and continue to build the ladies section from Dave’s great work already.”
Russ – “First of all, I’d like to thank Tom and Dave for the opportunity and the fantastic groundwork which has already gone into what is already at the club! The opportunity is huge for a club like this to be taking such a large step into the women’s game, we are all familiar with how well known and successful the men’s team is; what Jordan and I would like is to eventually see the women’s teams be in a position to emulate that in the coming years. We see this as a long term project, and something which will build over the years, something built on already strong foundations. But it’s not just about what we are setting up now, it’s about the opportunities which are available to people to play football at the club, there’s something for everyone and we just want to build on what has already been put in place. We’d like to see more opportunities available to people of all ages, the women’s game is growing so quickly and it’s amazing to see so many people engaged and coming into the sport now – my youngest daughter plays and I couldn’t be more delighted about that!“
Tell us about your experiences in the ladies game already and what you’ll be looking for when putting together your team for the season ahead?
Jordan – “We would like to get a competitive team together for the clubs first season in the west riding league. I have experience of coaching Altofts Ladies and Barnsley FC Ladies in there first season as a open age club too. I currently coach girls for the Leeds united foundation, as well as the girls shadow squad with girls aged between 11-16.”
Russ – “I’ve come from a couple of clubs where I’ve had an experience of the women’s game, at Altofts and at Barnsley FC. Both amazing clubs whose successful setups we aspire to emulate. It’s been an overall positive experience for me with its ups and downs but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities it’s afforded me and the people I’ve met along the way.
Building on the foundations Dave (Hotchkiss) has built already, what are you looking to achieve with the team moving forward?
Jordan – “It’s not only the open age section we want to see prosper we would also like to have more girls representing the club at all ages.”
Russ – “In our first season it’s all about integrating an 11 a side setup into the current structure, to provide another opportunity for people to play the game we all love. Attracting the right individuals who are looking to develop and grow as a team, and a group, so that in time we can build towards making the women’s section as successful as the men’s.”
Finally, what would your message be to the people of Pontefract with regards to Pontefract Collieries Ladies Football?
There’s exciting age group teams beneath the adults section, who we have to be ready to integrate in a few years so it’s as much about providing a pathway for people to move into open age football at an appropriate level – the start for this has been so strong and we really hope to come in and add another piece to the puzzle which already has so many pieces in place.