YORK City Knights head coach James Ford is “really excited” for the future of the women’s game after the success of last weekend’s double-header.

The Knights hosted back-to-back men’s and women’s games at the LNER Community Stadium last Sunday, with a healthy crowd staying on after the Bradford game to watch Lindsay Anfield’s side take on Leeds.

Both sides lost but the occasion was a proud one for the club.

“I think that it is another sign of the progress that the club is making,” Ford said. “It’s great that the club supports the women’s game and it’s great that the supporters are supporting the women’s game.

“I watched the first half and enjoyed it. I don’t watch the women’s game as often as I should to be honest but I have seen a number of games this year and I’ve seen a few games previously. When you don’t watch it week in, week out, it’s quite clear the improvements that the girls are making.

“I’m just really excited to see where the women’s game is in 12 months, 24 months, 36 months. With people like Lindsay (Anfield) really driving it and pushing it on, it’s just going to go from strength to strength.”