Derby County Women Football Club
Derby County Women is a prominent women's football club based in Derby, England. The team is affiliated with Derby County F.C., a professional men's football club that competes in the English Football League Championship. Derby County Women currently competes in the FA Women's National League, which is the third tier of women's football in England.
History
The club achieved significant progress in the 2008-2009 season when they were promoted from the Midland Combination Women's Football League by defeating Crewe 4-2 at Pride Park Stadium. This marked a pivotal moment in their history as they moved into a more competitive league.
The roots of Derby County Women can be traced back to its formation, when it started as a single open-age team. The association with Derby County F.C. facilitated the expansion to include reserve and third teams. The club's first manager was Neil Crofts, under whose leadership the club moved its training to the now-defunct DCFC Ramarena training ground.
In 1993, following UEFA's directive for the Football Association to take over women's football in England, a new league structure was established, which eventually incorporated the National League.
Development and Academy
Derby County Women has a strong focus on developing future talent. The club operates a reserve team within the national reserve team pyramid and manages nine academy teams. These academy teams compete in the Derbyshire Girls League and the Central Warwickshire Girls League. The club maintains a strategic relationship with the Derby County Girls Regional Talent Centre, offering a pathway from youth football to the senior squads.
To further bridge the gap between youth and senior football, Derby County Women introduced an U18s side, enhancing their portfolio of teams to eleven.
Recognition and Achievements
The club has been recognized for its contribution to women's football, with club founder Sheila Rollinson receiving an award for her 'Outstanding Contribution To Women's Football'. This accolade celebrates her role in evolving Derby County from a local parks team to an established Women's Premier League club and her broader impact on the sport.