We’re thrilled to announce the County FA winner of the Coach of the Year Female Pathway 2024 is Nicola Walters, a coach at Frickley Athletic Ladies FC.

The award recognises an individual who has helped female players enjoy the game and reach their full potential.

Nicola played a key role in the development of the first-ever women's and girls’ teams at Frickley Athletic in the club’s 115 year history last season.

She worked tirelessly to get a women’s recreational football team up and running, which has been so successful that this season the team has made the transition to 11-a-side football and has become Frickley Ladies FC.

Girls football in Frickley is now thriving; the club has five girls’ teams and ambitious plans to create even more opportunities for girls of all ages to play football.

Nicola’s twin Laura Morris nominated her sister for this award and believes she’s improved players' mental health through football. 

“By starting this team, she has literally saved our lives! We’ve become one big family and that’s thanks to Nic.

“Some of the team were really struggling mentally before coming here, so to have an opportunity to release all our worries on the pitch and talk about any problems we might be facing is amazing.

“She’s created an environment where everyone feels comfortable, it’s like therapy and we can’t thank her enough.”

Since stepping over the sidelines 18 months ago, Nicola hasn’t looked back and has her sights set on giving girls the same opportunities as boys at Frickley.

She said: “I just want to help bring some more girls’ teams to Frickley in the hopes that they move up and join the ladies team in years to come.

“It all started just as some mums getting on the pitch and has progressed to what it is today. 

“I’m very humbled and proud to receive this award, it’s great to be recognised for all the hard work.” 

This award marks double success for Frickley Athletic FC, as groundsperson Neil Howden was recently named Grounds Team of the Year.