Thackley AFC are delighted to welcome aboard a new coaching staff set up for our Ladies’ First Team and Reserve Team. James Greaves joins the Club as our new Ladies’ First Team Manager. Julia Hogan also joins the Club as our new Ladies’ Reserve Team Manager.

The change in our management team follows after Michelle Woollias stood down from her role in October 2020. James Riches took charge of the Ladies First Team following Michelle’s departure, but due to anticipated work commitments for the upcoming season it is likely he will be required to take on a reduced role moving forward. As a result, new management team has been assembled to drive Thackley AFC Ladies forward for both next season and beyond. Everyone at the Club would like to thank both Michelle and James for their strenuous efforts throughout their time at Thackley AFC in forming and developing the Ladies teams to the level which they currently are.

Additionally, the Club can announce that Ladies Reserve Team Manager Alex Maurice has stepped down from his role as manager of the reserve team after 2 years. Alex takes up a role at Queensbury Celtic Women’s Football Club. The Club would like to thank Alex for all that he has done during his time with us and everyone wishes him well in his new role.

Taking over the mantle of ‘Ladies’ First Team Manager’, is James Greaves, with David Bray also joining the Club as his assistant manager.

Greaves has been involved in football coaching for almost 20 years. James’ early career began with Bradford City’s Community Foundation where he gained his FA coaching badges and taught in many local Primary and Secondary schools. In 2008, James set up ‘Fisical Sports Coaching’ with his brother, Tom. The business now provides PE teaching in many local schools, holiday camps, toddler classes and boasts a very successful Football Academy.

James Greaves had the following comments on his recent appointment:

“I am delighted to get the opportunity to join the coaching team at Thackley AFC. I am lucky to inherit such an enthusiastic group of players who are ambitious and want to progress. I am excited for the new season ahead and to help provide an opportunity for the ‘Dennygirls’ to get back to training, playing and enjoying their football. I have had a good few weeks getting to know the players both at training and at friendly games and I’m now raring to get out there and win games of football”

David Bray, who is in the early stages of his coaching career, joins Greaves as his assistant manager. Although relatively new to coaching at this level, the hunger and passion for the game is clear to see within his character. The Club is confident that together they will form a great partnership and are a welcome addition to Thackley AFC.

Succeeding Alex Maurice as ‘Ladies’ Reserve Team Manager’, is Julia Hogan.

Julia is an FA Level 2 Qualified coach. With experience coaching at: Hunslet Club Girls Football, CGSA Academy in USA, Leeds United Girls Academy, and Leeds United Foundation, and therefore brings a wealth of experience to the Club.

Julia commented on her new role at the Club:

"After playing and being involved in women's football for over 10 years, I am looking forward to this next challenge of managing Thackley AFC Ladies Reserves”.

The Club are looking forward to working with the new management teams to progress both the Ladies’ teams and Ladies’ football as a whole. Further announcements regarding pre-season plans will be made in due course.

In the meantime, we would like the Thackley AFC footballing family to join us in welcoming James, Dave and Julia to the Club!

Story by Ben Roberts, Thackley AFC Media Officer