YORK'S first and only independent women’s football club is celebrating six months of rapid growth and breaking new ground for grassroots sport in the city.
Honeyball United Women’s Football Club (Honeyball United WFC) launched in July and has quickly become a hub for inclusivity and opportunity, offering women of all ages and abilities a safe and welcoming space to play.
Founded by Jo Hollings, Kat Richardson and Kate White, the club draws inspiration from Nettie Honeyball, a trailblazer in the early days of women’s football.
Proud moments leading up to the six-month milestone including the club gaining accreditation from the North Riding Football Association.
It has more than 80 members, held nearly 700 session bookings, and attracted kit sponsorship from two York female-led businesses - Bang Hair and Andrea Morrison Coaching.
Honeyball United entered two teams into the Recreational Division of the North Riding Women’s Football League and hosted the first Recreational Division South match day of the season at Energise, Acomb.
It received a grant from SMS Energy to fund pitch hire and delivered North Riding FA’s first Learn to Play session. It also received funding from the Barclays Community Sport Grant to support coach development, buy equipment and keep club wear affordable. The grant was also used to run York’s first female-only Walking Football pilot.
Club secretary Jo Hollings said: "I'm so proud of what we've achieved in just six months as a club. None of it would have been possible without the inspirational women who understood the importance of independence and gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to help the club grow.
"We see Honeyball as a small but meaningful part of a wider cultural shift in women’s sport. Our hope is that, in our own small way, we can help nurture that culture and contribute to the change happening across the game."
Sophie Sasimowicz, a player, said Honeyball had become essential in her health and fitness routine.
"It’s a place where everyone can just be themselves. The atmosphere is genuinely welcoming, there’s no pressure, and we all lift each other up."
Fellow player Louise Mitchell said: "Honeyball has played a huge role in building my self-esteem; whenever I go I come back feeling lighter and more connected to people. It's without a doubt the best team I've played for and that's down to the non-judgmental atmosphere and fun, welcoming vibes."
Player, coach and committee member, Lindsey Richardson, said Honeyball United was a 'supportive community that genuinely champions women in football'.
"The club is currently supporting me through my UEFA C Coaching Diploma, allowing me to bring fresh insight and renewed energy to our Learn to Play sessions. Honeyball United is a welcoming environment where I can be unapologetically me, and it has played a meaningful part in my growth on and off the pitch. I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how we continue to progress together."
Honeyball's goal for 2026 is to grow women’s walking football and create more opportunities for women to get involved in a team sport.
The club wants to create new partnerships with female-led businesses to expand opportunities for women at the club and beyond, and plans to create an online club shop.
Email info@honeyballunitedwfc.co.uk for more details.
Share