WOMEN’S TEAM OPERATIONS CONTINUE TO GROW

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Burnley FC Women welcome several new staff members

2023-12-28T19:00:00.000Z

WOMEN’S TEAM OPERATIONS CONTINUE TO GROW

Burnley FC Women welcome several new staff members

2023-12-28T19:00:00.000Z

Burnley FC Women welcome several new staff members

Burnley FC Women are taking strides forward both on and off the pitch, with the addition of several new staff members.

With ambitions of reaching the Women’s Championship, and currently placed second in the table in the Northern Premier Division of the FA Women’s National League, it’s been a positive season so far for the Claret women who remain unbeaten in the league this campaign.

Under Head of Women’s Football Lola Ogunbote and Manager Rebecca Sawiuk, the staff base around the players has continued to grow, covering areas such as coaching, nutrition and analysis.

Meet the team behind the team below:

Louise Roberts - First Team Coach

Roberts had a 13-year spell as a player and coach with fellow FA Women’s National League North side Stoke City Women.

During her time as a player, Lou captained the side to a treble win in 2013 - securing the Midland Combination League title, League Cup and County Cup.

The Stoke-born midfielder retired through injury before taking up a Women’s Reserve team coaching role at the Potters in 2020. The subsequent season saw her promoted to First Team Coach, a position she held until August 2023. Roberts has also worked with the University of Nottingham Women’s Football Club.

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Tom Fitton - Assistant Coach

Fitton recently left the Manchester United Foundation after 13 years in various roles, including one year as Head Coach of the Women’s U21s and seven seasons in charge of the Girls U17 & U16s. He helped carve the pathway for many female footballers at Manchester United, some of whom have gone on to play in the Women’s Super League and the international stage.

Tom experienced senior women’s management at FC United of Manchester during the 2021/22 season. Additionally, Fitton had two spells as First Team Coach at Women’s Championship side Sheffield United. In his time at Bramall Lane, he coached current Clarets Alethea Paul, Maria Francis-Jones, Naomi Hartley and Rhema Lord-Mears.

SAWIUK BELIEVES SQUAD IS GETTING STRONGER EVERY GAME - Image 1

Alex Hilton-Slee - Goalkeeper Coach

Hilton-Slee graduated from UCLAN in 2021 with a First-Class Honours degree in Sports Coaching and Performance.

His previous roles include Head of Goalkeeping at Blackpool Women and Chorley Women.

Gaining a UEFA B Goalkeeping license in 2022, he then worked with current Manchester City Women’s Goalkeeper Khiara Keating at AFC Fylde.

He has two club clean sheet records at Chorley, with keeper Rachel Derbyshire and at AFC Fylde Women with Savannah Smith & Megan Hunter.

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Hugo Vivash - Psychologist

Vivash has experience with Rising Stars of Africa Football Academy in Ghana and has worked with several U18 Ghanaian internationals.

He also worked at Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy and semi-professional Royal Wootton Bassett Town FC.

In his role at Burnley FC Women, he supports the performance, mental health and wellbeing of the squad.

Eve Parkinson - Physiotherapist

A qualified Sports Therapist for six years, Parkinson is currently at university studying for a Physiotherapy degree.

The Physiotherapist has worked at the Club for three years, moving from the academy to the women’s team in February 2021, and has prior experience in both Rugby League and Rugby Union.

Both on and off the pitch, Parkinson looks after the squad’s medical needs, including their general wellbeing, offers pitchside cover, injury assessments and rehab.

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Roma Malik - Analyst

Malik has previous experience at Loughborough Lightning Rugby and football squads, as well as The FA with the national talent camp providing analysis support.

As Analyst the main responsibilities include preparing analysis support through pre, live and post-match feedback.

Lauren Welch - Sports Nutritionist

Sports Nutritionist Welch graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2022 with a Masters in Sports Nutrition.

Whilst finishing her studies, she completed a nutrition placement with Inspire Snow Sports Academy, fuelling young snowboarders.

In addition to this Welch took part in some individual consulting for ultramarathon runners and later did some work at Fleetwood Football Club.

Joining Burnley in September, Welch started working with the academy alongside the women’s team, making sure the players are fuelled for the work required and educating them to make informed food choices so they can be the best athletes they can be.