Camden Town WFC star Josie Shand is ready to lead by example after taking the captain’s armband at one of the most ambitious clubs in women’s football.
Looking for a new challenge, Shand joined the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division side at the beginning of the summer and was quickly selected to skipper the side by manager Harry Sherman.
Under the guidance of club chairman Richard Mahoney, Camden have set their sights on progressing through the football pyramid and reaching the Barclay’s Women’s Super League within a decade.
And with her debut season underway, the 25-year-old is embracing the chance to progress as an individual and as part of a team.
She said: “It’s a massive responsibility, being captain. I have so much respect for the coaches allowing me to be the captain as a new player, because it shows how much they are willing to put their trust in me and be a good example to the rest of the girls.
“I was at Brentford before and I needed a fresh start. I spoke to Harry and Richard, and I really liked the vibe and how everybody bonds together, the togetherness within the team and the fact that they’re rebuilding the team.as well. It gives everyone a fresh start, so I’m really excited for the season ahead.
“They’re very open to all ages, all backgrounds. They want everybody to feel comfortable and involve everyone in what they are doing. They put a lot of faith into the people who are trying to go somewhere with this team and you can see the progress they are trying to make with it.
“My ambition is that I want to keep progressing. I’m at an age where I really want to push on and being a captain really gives me that platform to do that I think, and lead people in the team. I have a lot of trust in them and I think they’re going to go far.
“We want to put on the best performances throughout the season and put in 100% effort to make sure we give back to the people supporting us week in, week out.”
Camden picked up a statement victories in Women’s FA Cup first round qualifying, beating Hastings United 3-2 – a side a division above them in the footballing pyramid – in front of a club record crowd of 205.
It was a first ever match for Camden in the legendary cup competition, with victory a significant statement of intent for the club, who are sponsored by Pitching In – a multi-million-pound grassroots sport investment scheme established by Entain, owners of Ladbrokes and Coral.
Shand believes that a combination of Mahoney’s drive and Pitching In backing will lead to the club progressing even further.
“The passion and how much Richard really talks about it really says it all,” she added.
“He’s put everything into it, he’s very committed and communicative with what he’s trying to do with the team. He’s always trying to make things happen. He is a great chairman.
“Off the back of the Euros and the World Cup, it’s been incredible to see how much the sponsors have been a part of our journey and how much they will be a part of our journey this season.
“We can’t thank them enough for what they’ve been doing for us.”
