The Leek Town Devils, a girls’ under 15s footy team from Stoke-on-Trent, has achieved a remarkable success story. Previously, they were experiencing crushing defeats with scores of 20-0. However, everything changed two years ago when Stuart Henley, 41, took charge of training the team. Through a combination of vigorous training sessions and off-pitch bonding exercises, the Leek Town Devils have experienced a complete turnaround and are now on an impressive winning streak. As a result, they have earned a well-deserved promotion to the country’s top division.
Stuart Henley, a car valeter from Stoke-on-Trent, attributes their success to focusing on the basics and letting the girls determine what areas they need to work on. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the team had the opportunity to train together extensively, which further contributed to their growth. Their first goal, even in a losing game, felt like winning the World Cup. The progress they made was evident, and they continued to learn and improve each week by working on the areas that needed attention.
Stuart and his assistant, Ivan Austin, 50, are credited with finding the team’s new form. They prioritized off-field bonding sessions and focused on training the fundamentals. Chelsea, 15, emerged as the star player of the team, becoming the top scorer in the league with an impressive tally of 30 goals. Their improved performance led them to a top-of-the-table clash with rivals Wyrley Pumas, where they narrowly lost 3-2.
While the defeat denied them the league title, the Leek Town Devils have exceeded expectations by securing promotion to the county’s top division. Stuart, whose daughter Rebecca, 14, plays for the team, expressed his pride in the girls’ achievements. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for girls to play football and highlighted the team’s dedication and the immense support from Ivan and the parents. Looking ahead, they are confident and ready to compete against tougher opponents, but for now, they are enjoying their well-deserved victory.
