Enjoy Football Phoenix win the league

From Social Sessions to League Glory – The Journey of Enjoy Football CIC’s Women’s Team

In 2022, Enjoy Football CIC launched its women’s social football sessions with the simple aim of getting more women involved in the sport. Fast forward to 2024, the group’s evolution was marked by the formation of a team that entered the She Inspires League, organised in partnership with Liverpool County FA. As the 2024/25 season progressed, the popularity of the sessions surged, prompting the addition of a second weekly session. Numbers grew rapidly, necessitating a change of venue for Wednesday nights and the addition of a second team for the upcoming season named appropriately it appeared, Phoenix.

However, as summer 2025 drew to a close, the group faced a setback when their venue became unavailable, leading to uncertainty and a drop in attendance.

Despite the challenges, including dwindling player numbers the Phoenix displayed resilience. By late August 2025, only two registered players remained, but with the league season looming, the group pulled together and, like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, reformed a squad in just two weeks. Their unwavering commitment to keeping football sessions social, with competition as a secondary focus, proved vital in maintaining interest and humility and when the league commenced, Enjoy Football Phoenix had a full squad ready to go.

The determination and teamwork displayed by the players during this period was nothing short of extraordinary. Without a kit, but with a sponsor and kit on order, the team had to improvise with bibs.

On Sunday, 12th September 2025, Enjoy Football Phoenix, played their debut matches in the She Inspires Natasha Dowie Development League. The league featured eight entirely new teams, many with players fresh to competitive football.

With only eight squad members and no regular goalkeeper, Phoenix faced Penny Lane Parakeets and St Helens Rovers, securing impressive victories of 3-1 and 3-0 – an unexpected start that positioned them top of the league and set the tone for the season.

Game week two on 5th October 2025 saw the team don their new navy and yellow kit, courtesy of Birchwood Shopping Centre. Despite losing a player to holidays, Phoenix battled Maghull Ladies, clinching a narrow 1-0 win thanks to outstanding goalkeeping. They followed up with a derby win against Whittle Hall, emerging victorious 2-0. Four games, four wins – the squad’s chemistry, both on and off the pitch, was evident.

By game week three (2nd November 2025), injuries and absences threatened the team’s momentum, but a returning player made a sensational comeback, scoring seven goals across two matches against Cromwell and FC Northern (6-2 and 1-0). Phoenix remained league leaders, their goal difference healthy, and if the form continued, there was a distinct possibility of actually winning the league. But nothing is taken for granted in this league.

The final game week (4) of 2025 (30th November) tested the squad’s resolve. With continued absences and injuries, Phoenix lost 3-0 to Penny Lane, a result that prompted reflection and growth. They rebounded in style, defeating Heron Phoenix 3-0 and retaining their position at the top of the league heading into the new year.

Game week five on 11th January 2026 brought more challenges, including sadly Whittle Hall not being able to field a team. The match against St Helens Rovers saw Phoenix secure a deserved 3-1 victory. The team’s strikers worked in harmony, strengthening the squad’s unity. With a significant points advantage, the prospects of a league title became increasingly tangible.

On 2nd February 2026, game week six, Phoenix faced Maghull and Cromwell. The stakes were clear: six points would secure the league title. Rising to the occasion, the team delivered emphatic 5-0 victories in both fixtures, officially clinching the league title with a game week to spare.

The final matches on 1st March 2026 saw Phoenix face Heron Phoenix and FC Northern. The spirit of the She Inspires League shone through, with teams supporting one another and lending players when needed. Despite already securing the championship, Phoenix remained committed, although they lost 2-0 to Heron Phoenix. In their last match against FC Northern, they fought back from behind, equalising twice before snatching a 3-2 win, ending the season on a high note.

Enjoy Football Phoenix’s journey has been one of camaraderie, perseverance, and triumph. The squad’s support for one another, both on and off the pitch, has been instrumental in their success. Winning the title is a testament to their spirit – especially for those who were new to football. The group’s ethos extends beyond the team, with social session attendees offering vital support and encouragement.

Special thanks go to the players, friends, family, and sponsors Birchwood Shopping Centre, whose backing has been invaluable. Coaching this group has been a privilege, and the achievement marks a proud moment for Enjoy Football CIC.

The team look forward to building on this success next season. Congratulations to Enjoy Phoenix – Natasha Dowie League champions 2025/26.

Dave Smith (proud coach)

Enjoy Football CIC

Article produced with some AI assistance in text.