Congratulations to Caroline Austwick, founder of Wathletico Womens FC, who an external judging panel has chosen as the County FA winner of The Lioness Award 2024 as part of England Football’s Grassroots Football Awards.

The Lioness Award recognised an individual or group who has created new opportunities in the female game and has had a big impact in their community, on and off the pitch.

Being part of the missed generation of women who never got a chance to play football when they were younger, Caroline was inspired to step over the sidelines after watching her daughters play football.

But with work and families to think about, Caroline couldn’t commit to 11-aise football and discovered women’s recreational football was better suited.

With no local women’s recreational football side to join, Caroline and her sister Jane decided to create their own team called Wathletico Womens FC with help, support and funding from the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA.

Since then, the team has welcomed over 30 women and has taken part in festivals, club tournaments and friendlies. It also has two sides competing in the SHCFA Women’s Recreational League: the Nike 9’s division and competitive 5s division.

The club has also raised over £5,000 for good causes, supporting local charities such as Bluebell Wood Hospice and Rotherham Hospice.

After forming an all-female committee in 2024, the club has ambitious plans to improve and grow to provide even more opportunities for women and girls.

Hannah Wright, a qualified coach and current Wathletico player, supported the team to get up and running by coaching their sessions and nominated Caroline for The Lioness Award due to the impact she’s made both on and off the pitch.

Reflecting on her nomination, Hannah said: “I started off coaching them and came back as a player because they mean so much to me.

“Caroline hasn't just created a football team, she has formed a group of strong women whose confidence has grown tremendously. We’re such a close-knit group and socialise outside of football with regular social events and fundraisers.

“She has made Wathletico a family and everybody is welcome. She truly cares and is passionate about the women's game and believes in its investment for the future and to make sure children have female role models in sport.”