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Grimsby Town have appointed coaches Sophie Bartup and Hayley Butts to the first-ever Women’s team affiliated to the club.

Dale Houlston, named manager of the Lincolnshire Women's League side in June, believes the duo will be of a huge benefit to the Mariners.

Sophie, who is an experienced player, will take on the role of player-coach. She is an FA Certified Level 2 Coach and has completed the FA Youth Award.  She also wants to progress even further on the coaching pathway.

Hayley is also an FA Level 2 certified coach, and has recently been accepted by The FA to commence the UEFA B Licence course in August.

And Dale is delighted to get the duo onboard. 

“I am over the moon that both Sophie and Hayley have agreed to join us," he told the club's official website.

"When I accepted the job as manager it was really important to me that I was able to put together a good coaching team. I wanted experienced people, but more importantly, I wanted good people that will work really hard to make this project a success.

"I know I have got this in Sophie and Hayley. It was also important to me that we appointed females in these key roles. When the club decided to embrace the Women's game, it wasn't just about providing playing opportunities, it was also about encouraging the development of female coaches in the game too.”

Both Sophie and Hayley have strong connections with the area and with the Football Club. 

“I'm really, really chuffed to be involved with Grimsby Town," said Sophie, "And hugely delighted that I got invited to Blundell Park to meet with the manager, Dale Houlston.

“Whilst I’m still committed to being a player, the next step for me is to progress with my coaching pathway, where better to start than Grimsby Town Football Club.”

“I’m looking forward to taking the next steps in coaching, going onto do my UEFA B," added Hayley.

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