The coach of Westbury Youth’s under-12 girls’ football team is setting his sights on a bright future, hoping to inspire a future Lioness among his players.
Aaron Henshall has been in charge of the team for six weeks. In that time, he’s secured new sponsorship, overseen four matches and made plans for future tournaments.
“I’ve always wanted to coach,” Aaron said. “I played football myself in Wiltshire and have been taking my daughter, Lillian, to Westbury Youth’s under-12s for the last two years. Their coach left around six months ago, and I decided to come forward to fill that gap.
“The girls love playing football. We’ve had a couple of new ones join recently who had never played properly before until this year. Their parents can’t believe how quickly they’ve come to really love football. Come September, we’ll join the North Wilts League and play every Saturday. At the moment, we’re building up to that with friendlies and tournaments through the summer to get ready.
“We’ve got a new kit now and are playing a lot more matches. I think the girls really enjoy being part of that progression. It really would be lovely to have a future Lioness here. I believe that can happen.”
Ahead of the team’s match against Bishop Cannings in February – which they narrowly lost 3-2 – players proudly showed off their new kits.
Aaron’s daughter Lillian, 10, explained, “I’m always excited to get on the pitch.” Sienna Rosehudd, 10, added, “I just love kicking the ball about.” Rosie, Darcy, and Leilani said football makes them “really happy” and encourages them not only to “believe in themselves but also to make new friends.” Meanwhile, Thea and Alys explained they travel all the way from Warminster to be part of the team.
When questioned on their favourite footballers, the likes of Lauren James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ellie Roebuck were named by the under-12 players.
“It’s a great group of girls,” Aaron, who runs A Henshall Painting and Decorating in Westbury, continued. “We’re not individuals, we’re one team. That’s the core of how we operate and the girls understand that. It’s not that one player goes out and scores ten goals; the team scores ten goals. Our aim is to become as successful as possible and win more games.
“I want to do as much as I can to get this team what they need to grow, and Westbury Youth has been really supportive of that. Now all we need is more players to come in and help make us stronger. But we also have to be patient with the process; huge change won’t happen overnight.”
Westbury Building Supplies has sponsored the team’s new kit. Nathan Lee, manager at the company, said, “At Westbury Building Supplies, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting local initiatives. Sponsoring the local girls’ youth football team and providing their kit is our way of giving back, helping young athletes pursue their passion while strengthening the bond between local businesses and grassroots sports. We’re proud to play a part in their journey and to champion the spirit of ‘local supporting local.’”
If you would like to find out more about the under-12s team, please email Aaron at aaronhenshall1@yahoo.com
Pictured: Westbury Youth under-12s girls in their new kit sponsored by Westbury Building Supplies
Pictured: Lillian Henshall Westbury Youth under-12s girls’ team
Pictured: Aaron Henshall runs a drill for the under-12s girls’ team
