Grimsby Town Football Club is excited to officially announce the appointment of Ben Challen as the new Head Coach of the Women’s First Team. Challen, who initially stepped in as interim head coach at the end of June, has impressively led the team through a rigorous pre-season training period. His leadership and dedication during this time have earned him the permanent role, just in time for the 2024-25 season.
Ben Challen’s journey with the club began earlier this year when he was appointed as the head of the girls’ Emerging Talent Centre, an initiative launched in January by the club’s Foundation. This centre was established as part of a broader strategy to foster the growth and development of women’s football across the region. Under his guidance, the Emerging Talent Centre has quickly become a pivotal element in nurturing young talent and preparing them for the future of women’s football.
With a rich background in coaching, Challen’s expertise is deeply rooted in player development. His previous roles have seen him making significant contributions to various academies, including Cardiff City Academy, Scunthorpe United Academy, and Grimsby Town Academy. These experiences have equipped him with a profound understanding of the game and a commitment to fostering the skills and potential of his players.
Reflecting on his new role, Challen expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am truly delighted to be named as the new head coach of the women’s team. The journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, and I believe we are in a strong position as we approach the start of the season. The hard work put in during pre-season has already begun to show results, with solid principles of play being established. I’m eager to continue working with this talented squad and am optimistic about the successes we can achieve together. The standards the players have set for each other during training are incredibly encouraging, and I’m confident we’re ready to face the challenges ahead.”
The appointment of Challen has been met with enthusiasm from within the club. Polly Bancroft, the club’s CEO, shared her thoughts on the new head coach, saying, “We are thrilled to have Ben on board as the Head Coach for the Women’s First Team. His extensive coaching experience, particularly in player development, makes him an excellent fit for the role. The women’s team is a crucial part of our club, and we’ve been making significant strides to enhance our support for them this summer. This includes improving their training and playing facilities, expanding our coaching staff, and ensuring reliable transportation for away matches. We are fully committed to supporting Ben, Brian, and the entire team as they strive to climb through the leagues and achieve new heights.”
The club is looking forward to this new chapter under Ben Challen’s leadership and is confident that his appointment will mark the beginning of an exciting and successful era for the Women’s First Team. We welcome Ben to his new role and eagerly anticipate the achievements that lie ahead.
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