Lewis looking to be role model as Gloucester City Women’s pathway produces first players
Gloucester City Women’s Reserves Captain, Nicole Lewis, says it is important to be a role model and create a welcoming and inclusive environment following the recent call-ups from the youth setup.
Amelia Rankin and Neve McAusland both featured and scored in Sunday’s 5-0 win over Mangotsfield United Women Reserves, with Rankin included and scoring in City’s 3-1 defeat against City of Gloucester Women last weekend.
The two appearing in the squad is significant for the club, as they are the first players to step up from the Girls youth section into adult football since the club revamped it’s Women’s side in 2021.
Lewis is the side’s top scorer with 14 goals in 11 appearances this term, alongside wearing the armband, and is one of the senior players in a young squad and with the pathway now in full effect, she says setting an example on and off the field is important to help the young players develop.
“It’s incredibly important to be a role model and help the young players settle into the squad, especially being a player who never had the confidence to make that step at 16,” said Lewis.
“Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment can make a significant difference in their transition to the team and as Captain, you set the tone for the team, and your actions and attitude have a significant impact on the newcomers.
These young players are at a pivotal stage in their development, so by setting a positive example both on and off the field, can inspire them to work hard and stay focused,” Lewis added.
Sunday’s win was exactly what the doctor ordered for City Reserves, with the defeat against City of Gloucester ending their unbeaten league start this season.
But due to Forest Green Rovers Development withdrawing from the GCWFL, Lewis knows her side are three wins away from clinching the Division Two title having been edged out by a good Longlevens Ladies side last season.
With that in mind, Lewis has praised her side for their reaction this past weekend and calls for the team focus and take their next batch of games one game at a time.
“I think a comfortable 5-0 win was the best way to bounce back on Sunday. After the setback last week it was important for us to regroup, refocus, and deliver a strong performance and it’s really pleasing to see that we took the lessons from last week into this weekend’s game,” Lewis told Severn Sport.
“At this stage, staying focused and taking it one game at a time is crucial when we’re so close to achieving the title.
It’s vital for us to treat each game with the same level of importance, as each match has its own challenges and maintaining concentration on what’s in front of us avoids the pressure and distractions that come with looking too far ahead,” added Lewis.
Lewis has been a mainstay of the Reserves side since 2022 and was named the Severn Sport Live Player of the Season for her performances last season and the defender turned forward says that whilst she enjoys being Captain of her side, she understands the responsibility that comes with that – particularly with helping players coming through the pathway adapt to adult football.
“I enjoy every minute of captaining this side. It’s a role that comes with a lot of responsibility but also a chance to lead by example and make an impact.
It’s a rewarding experience especially with the talent we have amongst the team and it’s great to see the youth coming through the club’s pathway,” Lewis said.
Gloucester City Women Reserves are next in action on Sunday 9 February when they welcome Bitton Ladies Reserves to the TigerTurf Stadium, before trips to Longwell Green (16 February) and Southmead CS Ladies (23 February).
Cover photo taken and copyright Jamie Brain Photography. Visit his Instagram @jamiebrain_photography
