Hull City Ladies FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Hames as Director of Women & Girls Football.
Hailing from Manchester, the 30 year old is now based in Hull where he lives with his partner and family.
After university, Hames started out coaching football in his hometown Macclesfield and moved to Mexico City for a full time role, kicking off his career in women’s football. But came back to England at Manchester United RTC, followed by Sheffield FC whilst they were in the Championship, as Development Manager before moving on to a management role at Bradford AFC Women.
Wanting to progress further with a bigger club, when the previous manager left Hull City Ladies and seeing the work being done, both on and off the pitch – growing the fanbase and sponsorship opportunities – Hull City Ladies posed the perfect opportunity.
He explains: “The biggest excitement for me at Hull City Ladies is the opportunity to drive a serious women’s football club to the forefront in the region and create a viable pathway for women and girls in the area. At the moment we’re at Tier 4, but we are showing potential to become a Tier 2 and WSL club. Durham have achieved this from a similar position.
“We have a squad of players who are passionate and committed to the success of Hull. Most of these girls have been here for many years, and have tasted the successes of the past and want that again. We also have so many young local players coming through, so the potential to give them a serious pathway to elite football is at the forefront of what we want to achieve.
“What the girls have to commit every week just to be here is incredible. We have a teacher, delivery drivers, police officers, students and mums. All have to give everything in their day jobs and then come to us on a night to continue to progress and develop – I am always in awe of what they all achieve and that is always motivation behind wanting to make each week, each day, a success.”
“I don’t see any limits to what we can do in terms of the potential. I will work meticulously and relentlessly towards achieving these goals.”
The Club is working towards increasing match day supporters and currently plays at Easy Buy Stadium, Barton Town Football Club, DN18 5RL. The next home game is the FAWNL Plate Cup Quarter Final against Stourbridge Women on Sunday 22nd January, kick-off at 2PM.
Hull City Ladies Managing Director, Danny Johnson said:
“Since the Lionesses shone a spotlight on the potential for women’s football last summer, we’ve noticed a major uplift in interest from supporters and sponsors for the Tigresses. We have big ambitions for the future as the women’s sport continues to grow in popularity, performance and recognition. With sponsorship, investment and the all important media coverage in women’s football growing exponentially, Hull City Ladies believe the timing is right to grow the club and aim for being a Women’s Championship team in the next five years. Ultimately, ascending to the Women’s Super League (WSL). That may seem like a distant goal but with the fantastic backing of our sponsors, partners, supporters, players, staff and volunteers, confidence is high and I believe in the possibility of that vision.
“Hull City Ladies aims to reach championship status and progress further. Part of this includes identifying and developing ‘homegrown’ future players though our youth pathway. The Club is creating a lasting legacy for people in the Humber Region and surrounding area. We want to give more opportunities to women and girls to participate and engage with the game that we all love.
“The Club’s committee and I are delighted with the level of commitment shown by Chris Hames since joining us, he has implemented a clear plan and vision which aligned with that of Hull City Ladies perfectly.
“Chris’ passion for the game is clear to see, and his ethos is already oozing positivity through the Club, from the 1st team right through to the youth teams.
“I’m delighted that Chris will be working for the football club on a full time basis and has accepted the role of Director of Women and Girls Football. Chris’ role will see him continue to manage the 1st team, but he will also be managing our youth section – he has a great appetite and the right experience.
“Chris will be also working alongside the club office staff at headquarters to enhance operations both on and off the field as we continue to develop. Aiming to offer more women and girls further opportunities to develop and achieve at the highest level.”
This is clear intent that the club remains focused on its plan and highlights the progression Hull City Ladies has made independently in the ever growing women’s game.
For more information about this press release, please contact Jess Clark, 07722 299461 or email jess@divineclarkpr.co.uk.
Chris Hames’ qualifications include: UEFA B Licence, FA Youth Award, MSc Psychology, PGCE Further Education, BA Hons History, Sport England Talent ID, First Aid, Safeguarding.
*Photos by Kevin Greene & Dave Winn