Jack Sharp, the Head of Women’s Football and Performance, spoke with iFollow MK Dons prior to the start of the Women’s 2022/2023 campaign.
Sharp has been involved with the Women’s team for many years and has witnessed the ‘fantastic’ growth and development surrounding Women’s football.
The Head of Women’s Football and Performance stated that there has been amassive change from last season, ‘not just from a spectator’s point of view but also businesses and sponsorships too.’ He continued to enforce that ‘the game is growing’ especially after the Lionesses successful summer.
When asked about the Women’s EUROS and the growth within Women’s football, Sharp said: “This summer highlighted an incredible moment for football in general.
“At MK Dons we have an incredible foundation for Women’s football and that’s something we have always championed, the Women’s EUROS allowed us to add upon what was already there. These incredible moments allow us to create a catalyst for everyone, to help champion Women within sport.
“We will never get a better chance to help springboard and propel the Women’s game, so it’s very important that every club embraces this opportunity.
“It helps to expand on the foundations that we have, for example one of our female footballers within our RTC (Regional Talent Centre) programme has just received an Under-17s England call-up, which is incredible. That, on top of a new Under-19s football education programme, as well as an Under-23s Women’s team.
“We’re always really thankful for these opportunities and towards the Chairman and the first team for constantly putting their support in.”
Sharp expressed that although it’s pre-season for the players, it’s also the time of year when he ‘puts a lot of work in, to ensure that the team can hit the ground running.’ With the campaign startin this Sunday, Sharp and the team are now able to look ahead to the upcoming games.
When questioned about the preparations and the season ahead, Sharp commented: “It’s always an exciting on opening weekend and when you get the season started.
“We recruited a lot during the summer and a lot of players that join our football club buy into the vision we have here, to offer the experiences we can is what tops most of our competition within the league.
“Charlie Bill and I have been involved with the Women’s team for many years and we believe that this is the strongest squad that we’ve seen. Even so, we still have more to add.
“We’re very clear on what we are as a club, we’re a young team and our identity is very much around player development, we now want to get the season going and see how far we can go, our aim is to thrive and propel this football club in the right direction.”
MK Dons Women have introduced a purchasable season ticket for the first timewhich available to buy now from the Box Office and online. When asked about the introduction of the Women’s season ticket, Sharp commented: “This ticket is vitally important.
“We’re moving supporters back into the West-Stand for connection purposes, when you come to the games and sit behind the dug-out you feel like you’re immersed in the experience.
“The message is that us as a football club will only be as strong as the community that come and support it, we’re trying to build something that Milton Keynes can be proud of.”
MK Dons Women return to Stadium MK for their first home game against Cheltenham Town on Wednesday 31st August. Sharp finished his interview by saying ‘I urge you to come and see what we are about because we will change some perceptions.’
