On behalf of the Board of Directors, coaching, backroom and playing staff, I would like to wish all our sponsors, business partners and fantastic supporters a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
This time of the year means different things to different people and for me Christmas is a time for family, a time to reflect on the previous 12 months. To bring that closer to home our values at family Lions is never more evident at this time of year. The main highlights for me were the jubilation of the Whitehaven and Halifax games which cemented our Championship status in a healthy 10th position, the Lionesses being competitive in a tough Championship, and the Lions’ Development Pathway Under 18s playing their first game.
Looking ahead to 2024, I am sure everyone is excited at the thought of the new season under new Head Coach Alan Kilshaw with an experienced backroom staff and a strong playing squad. I know first hand that pre-season is going well, with a positive ethos within the squad.
The Lionesses are recruiting well and Head Coach Steve Thirkell is supported by a solid backroom staff.
Our off-field development programmes and Foundation continue to grow and watch out for further news.
You will have seen IMG indicative gradings take shape as the sport in general needs to change and grow. As a Board of Directors, we are working towards raising our standards in conjunction with each pillar of the IMG grading criteria, ensuring long term sustainability of the club and it is vital we travel on this journey together.
Christmas can also be a painful and sad time for many families, particularly for people who have suffered bereavement over the past year. Our thoughts are with family Lions members who have suffered such sad losses.
Well-being is a core fabric of the Lions’ values and I would encourage people to rally round their family, friends and neighbours and provide them with the help and support that they may need so they are not on their own during the festive period.
Christmas is a time for us all to recharge our batteries ready ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead in 2024 and I look forward to us family Lions being on an exciting journey together in 2024, and hope to see as many as possible at the season launch on 26th January at Heywood Road.
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