Throughout the 2022/23 campaign, women’s football at Park Hall has continued on an upwards trajectory, and today, The New Saints FC are pleased to confirm the appointment of Shauna Duffy as the club’s new Head of Women and Girls’ Football.
UEFA A Licence candidate, Duffy, takes over the position previously held by Andy Williams prior to his move to Manchester City and will be primarily responsible for overseeing the delivery of the club’s Women and Girls’ strategy.
Her previous experience includes a six-year stint as a Girls’ RTC Coach at Liverpool FC, 18 months as part of the Alliance Football Club set-up in Dubai, and most recently player development and first-team coaching at Shrewsbury Town Women.
Speaking after today’s announcement, Shauna said: “I am excited for the opportunity to come on board as Head of Women and Girls’ football at a club that values the female pathway so highly.
“I am passionate about helping to develop the next generation and cannot wait to get started with the girls at The New Saints.”
During her time at Park Hall, Shauna will also be involved in the launch of The New Saints’ brand new girls’ football scholarship, which is due to start in September 2024 in partnership with North Shropshire College, while also assisting first-team head coach, Greg Draper, with both training and matches.
“I’m really delighted to welcome Shauna on board,” New Zealand international Draper said.
“Shauna will be an absolutely massive addition to the whole football club and there’s no doubt the impact she will have on the women’s and girls’ section in particular will be extremely positive.”
As well as off the pitch progression, on the pitch, The New Saints Women have shown superb form as well, qualifying for the Genero Adran Premier’s Championship Conference for the first time this season.
As a result, Draper’s side have enjoyed close battles with Cardiff City, Swansea City and Cardiff Met in recent weeks – the three sides seen as the benchmark for women’s football within Wales.
In and amongst them was a 2-0 victory against Cardiff Met – TNS’ first against one of the ‘big three’ teams.
With the club continuing towards its ambitious goal of UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification within the next few seasons, TNS chairman, Mike Harris, also expressed his delight at today’s news, saying: “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Shauna to the club. Women’s football is a huge priority for us here at The New Saints and Shauna’s appointment will only strengthen our existing provision.
“I’ve been blown away by the progress we’ve made on the field this season but we don’t want to stop there – we want to make a genuine challenge for the Genero Adran Premier title next season.”
Lead image courtesy of Alliance Football Club
