Who are your club committee members and what do they do?

Formed in 1963, Middlewood Rovers have long held a respected reputation for encouraging player development and providing a safe, fun environment for children of all ages and abilities to grow and learn the game.

At Middlewood we have spent many years developing an inclusive atmosphere to give everyone within the club a voice. We value our playing and parent communities highly and look to involve them wherever possible in key decisions affecting the club as a whole.

As with many grassroots organisations, however, the club would not exist without the hard work and dedication of a small group of volunteers. We are lucky enough to have a number of people who dedicate significant time, care and resources to helping our club - fundraising, organsing team events, managing team admin, running matchday raffles, ferrying muddy boys around Sheffield and running the Waverley Lane Cafe are just some of the things that take place on a weekly - if not daily - basis. It can sometimes be a thankless task so on behalf of all of the players - thank you all!

Where are you based?

We are based in Handsworth S139AE on Waverley Lane (opposite the ASDA). We have children from all areas of Sheffield and Rotherham playing for us due to the Parkway being near by for transport ease. 

What is your club philosophy/Culture?

The club focuses upon creating a fun, safe environment with a focus on player development over results. As I’ve previously stated we would rather create another team rather than turn players away, hence why we have 3 teams at some boys age groups.

We believe in letting the players enjoy themselves through leaning and don’t believe in winning at all costs. 

As well as football we aim to create a community in which lifelong friendships are developed!

What is the clubs current female football offer?

Currently we have 3 girls’ teams u12s, u13s & u15s.

We are always looking to expand and will always try to create another team rather than turn girls away. We have a Weetabix/ Wildcats session on a Saturday and are in the process of setting up a ‘Claim the game’ session and we have a couple of coaches booked to attend a Squad girls CPD session in Burton.

What does your club to ensure that it is the great place for women and girls to play and enjoy football?

We always encourage players to get the most out of the game as they possibly can, whether that be through playing, coaching or refereeing. We currently have two u15s taking their referee’s course. All courses will be funded by the club.

Why is your club a great place for women and girls to coach/volunteer at?

We are a friendly club with a big family atmosphere. There is always someone to talk to if you need advice and will always try to accommodate volunteers in an age group that is suitable for their relevant experience. 

How has the Euro Legacy Pledge affected the club? 

We are currently liaising with the FA to start Claim the game and ‘Squad’ Girl’s sessions, hopefully our involvement with the Euro Legacy project will help us start other courses going forward. With the aim to continue to attract female players to club either for teams or in a recreational setting. Allowing girls to access football on their doorstep and in the format they want.

What are your hopes and ambitions for the future of the club? 

With the clubhouse build being completed shortly we are hoping to put on courses for both future female coaches and referees. We are also creating more pitches so we can accommodate more female teams to help continue to grow the female pathway at the club. We already have girls playing at International and Championship level and hopefully we can get more girls to follow in their footsteps.

How do you believe the upcoming Women’s European Championships in Sheffield/Rotherham will impact your club?

We believe that the upcoming Championships will be a great advert for Women’s football and will encourage more girls to come and try this great sport. We hope to be in the best position to offer those new to game to join the Middlewood Family!!