Women's Performance Football

Our performance programme is led by expert coaching staff who are constantly striving to improve individual and team performance, underpinned by a wide range of skilled support services.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Students Women’s Football Club offers many competitive opportunities. The women's performance team compete in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Northern Premier League.

Several of our performance players also compete as º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Lightning FC at Tier 4 in the Women’s National Football League.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ offers a unique environment to develop in sport whilst gaining a prestigious degree. Each year the University invests a million pounds in performance sport and facilities. Thanks to this investment, Director of Football Richard Allen can lead a professional coaching and support programme.

As a first team performance squad member, you will receive expert coaching, access to our world class facilities, heavily discounted Powerbase gym membership, strength and conditioning training, nutrition, sports science and sports medicine support.

Players can also access performance lifestyle support within the programme, and our top athletes can apply for scholarships. Find out more about our support.

A Lightning player on a football pitch mid tackle

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Lightning Football Club

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Lightning is the women’s high performance football team, who train and play their games at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ's world-class facilities.

Headshot of Charlie Baxter

Charlie Baxter

Head Coach

Former º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Student Charles Baxter took charge of Lightning towards the end of the 2022/23 season, following a spell as Ipswich Town assistant manager. Having spent over five years at Birmingham City, Baxter brings a wealth of experience to the role and excellence in player development and tactical awareness.