The general manager of Peterborough United Women hopes the team’s table-topping season would “inspire the next generation” of girls to play football.
Posh Women were presented their trophy and medals on Sunday after winning the National League Division One Midlands without losing a single match.
Sam Winch, the team’s general manager, said their success “shows young girls in our community that there’s a real pathway in the game”.
Peterborough’s MP Andrew Pakes offered his congratulations to Posh Women, saying they were “flying the flag for Peterborough and for women’s football”.
The team won 20 games and drew twice, finishing off their campaign with a decisive 7-0 win over Stourbridge FC Women.
Jake Poole, the team’s manager, said it was a “great way to finish the season”.
“To go through the whole season unbeaten is an unbelievable achievement,” he added. “The girls deserve so much credit.”
Midfielder Poppie Brown said lifting the trophy felt “a bit surreal”.
“It is the first time I have been involved in a success like this and it was about savouring the moment,” she said.
“There have been some big moments in the season, winning back to back against Leafield and Boldmere at home in a tough run against some strong teams in the division was really important.”
Winch said: “The more visibility and success we have, the more it inspires the next generation to pick up a ball and believe they belong on the pitch.
“This season we have seen a gradual increase in attendances and collaborations, with the hope of this growing further.”
Major successes have boosted the profile of women’s football in recent years.
England Football reported a 196% increase in searches for female football playing opportunities the day after the Lionesses won the UEFA Women’s Euro final in July last year, defending the title they held since 2022.
The body said participation increased in the subsequent months as well as the number of women coaches and referees.
Pakes said Posh Women’s success sent a “message” to girls in Peterborough.
“What makes it even more meaningful is the message this sends to girls across our city: that they belong on the pitch, in the stands and at the heart of our sporting life,” he said.
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